eke
verb (used with object)
to increase; enlarge; lengthen.
had eked
-
past perfectof eke.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asbury and the others — Martina Barraza Jr., 33; Darius Travon Canada, 31; and Anna Marie Hester, 34 — had eked out an existence for years on the fringes of society in the Mojave Desert.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 17, 2023
The party had eked out a bare, one-vote majority in the state House and suffered defeat in the marquee governor’s race.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 28, 2023
The Ravens started 8-3 in 2021, but even then, they had eked out quite a few close games.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 8, 2022
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman had eked results at the toughest negotiating tables.
From Slate ● Feb. 1, 2022
His chef had eked out a salmi of ortolans by a thrush; and it was exactly that unlucky morsel the Cardinal had helped himself to at breakfast, and immediately sent his plate away in disappointment.
From The Daltons, Volume I (of II) Or,Three Roads In Life by Charles James Lever
