Here are some ways to understand the meaning of "subsist":
* To survive on a minimal level: "The family subsisted on a diet of rice and beans."
* To endure hardship: "The refugees subsisted in makeshift shelters."
* To maintain life in the face of difficulty: "The soldiers subsisted on rations during the long siege."
Examples:
* "The refugees are subsisting on meager rations."
* "They were forced to subsist on a diet of wild berries and roots."
* "The small village subsisted on fishing and farming."
Synonyms:
* Survive
* Exist
* Live
* Endure
* Maintain oneself
* Make do
* Get by
Antonyms:
* Flourish
* Thrive
* Prosper