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behave

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of behave

to manage the actions of (oneself) in a particular way
  • If the children behave themselves properly, they'll get extra time at recess.
Synonyms of behave

acquit, bear, carry, comport, conduct, demean, deport, quit
Words Related to behave

check, collect, compose, constrain, contain, control, curb, handle, inhibit, quiet, repress, restrain

moderate, modulate, temper

act, impersonate, play
Near Antonyms of behave

act up, carry on, cut up, misbehave, misconduct

Synonym Discussion of behave

behave, conduct, deport, comport, acquit 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
conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself.
    • conducted herself with unfailing good humor
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
comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position.
    • comported themselves as gentlemen
acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations.
    • acquitted herself well in her first assignment

Learn More about behave

  1. See words that rhyme with behave Dictionary: Definition of behave Medical Dictionary: Definition of behave Spanish Central: Translation of behave Nglish: Translation of behave for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of behave for Arabic speakers

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