Synonyms of behave

behave

verb

bi-ˈhāv 

as in to carry

to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way

if the children behave themselves properly and sit quietly during church, they'll get their ice cream afterward

Synonyms & Similar Words

• carry
• acquit
• conduct
• handle
• restrain
• compose
• contain
• comport
• quit
• collect
• play
• demean
• control
• act
• bear
• check
• deport
• constrain
• inhibit
• curb
• temper
• quiet
• modulate
• moderate
• repress
• impersonate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misconduct
• carry on
• cut up
• misbehave
• act up

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb behave differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of behave are acquit, comport, conduct, and deport. While all these words mean "to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way," behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous.

the children behaved in church

When can acquit be used instead of behave?

The words acquit and behave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations.

acquitted herself well in her first assignment

When might comport be a better fit than behave?

The synonyms comport and behave are sometimes interchangeable, but comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position.

comported themselves as gentlemen

When is conduct a more appropriate choice than behave?

The words conduct and behave can be used in similar contexts, but conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself.

conducted herself with unfailing good humor

When would deport be a good substitute for behave?

In some situations, the words deport and behave are roughly equivalent. However, deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety.

the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of behave

To overcome this challenge, the Cornell team turned to niobium arsenide (NbAs), a topological semimetal whose surface electrons behave differently from those in conventional metals. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

By Anthropic’s own account, the same models that can predict how a gene-therapy virus behaves could, in the wrong hands, help design a dangerous disease. — Jesse Rothman, Boston Herald, 17 July 2026

Speaking with the press on Thursday, Abbott said the lessons learned from last year’s flooding have helped to prevent more catastrophe this time, as at least 80 were evacuated from campgrounds, though this summer’s storms have behaved differently. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Why Cyclospora may not create lasting immunity How the parasite behaves in the body is partly why creating lasting immunity to the infection is difficult, according to health officials. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 17 July 2026