The word "ekes" is a verb that means to obtain or gain something in a slow and laborious manner, often with difficulty. In the context of the clue "squeezes (out)," it suggests that something is obtained or achieved through effort, typically when resources or opportunities are limited.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Squeaks (by). Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.