as in actions
the way or manner in which one conducts oneself
usually the enfant terrible, he's promising to be on his best behavior for the party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of behavior
If the same behavior holds true for JADES-ID1, Dolag says, its observed early, hefty size would be less mysterious.
—
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
The only way forward is something that will not come easily to Fed insiders — to treat the public as stakeholders whose input matters, not subjects whose behavior needs managing.
—Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Previous research has looked at preventable cancer deaths, including a 2024 American Cancer Society study that found 44% of cancer deaths in people 30 and over could be avoided if people cut out high-risk behaviors, such as smoking and drinking.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
North Carolina has also seen questionable behavior by federal agents during a Border Patrol immigration operation last fall.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behavior
Lee Billings, Scientific American, 4 Feb. 2026
The only way forward is something that will not come easily to Fed insiders — to treat the public as stakeholders whose input matters, not subjects whose behavior needs managing.
—Annelise Riles, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026
Previous research has looked at preventable cancer deaths, including a 2024 American Cancer Society study that found 44% of cancer deaths in people 30 and over could be avoided if people cut out high-risk behaviors, such as smoking and drinking.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
North Carolina has also seen questionable behavior by federal agents during a Border Patrol immigration operation last fall.
—Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for behavior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behavior
Noun
-
Laporta’s last two actions as president before the election process were to renew Fermin’s contract until 2031 and abandon the European Super League project.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Jackson County alerted local schools to continue monitoring the issue, but law enforcement did not have probable cause to arrest or take other actions, according to the statement.—
Eric Levenson,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Of course, once Carey got her hands on one of her signature whistle notes (those really, really high pitches that very few singers can achieve) her voice strengthened, if not her performance demeanor, which remain staid and almost nervous and uncomfortable throughout.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The Royals lauded Wacha for his pitching insight and calm demeanor.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In terms of public attitudes to these vehicles in Europe, the picture is murky.—
Laurie Winkless,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
For four decades, Megadeth have been high priests—not the highest, but close—in a church of metal where technical prowess, breakneck tempos, and sneering attitude are the holiest of virtues.—
Eli Enis,
Pitchfork,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behavior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behavior. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
