1. to continue to live or exist, especially after a dangerous or difficult situation
2. to continue to live after someone else has died
3. to manage to continue or persist despite difficulties

Examples

• The plant survives harsh winter conditions.
• She survives on very little income.
• Only three passengers survived the crash.
• The tradition survives to this day.
• He survives his wife by ten years.
• The small business survives despite competition.
• The building survived the earthquake.