behave

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 behave Every week provides viral moments captured on cellphones of sports fans behaving badly, often erupting into life-altering brawls and chaos. Ed Lavandera, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 Eilish has spoken out in the past about fans behaving inappropriately at concerts. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025 Netanyahu behaves like a gambler who in his desperation doubles down again and again. Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 In this state, trillions or more electrons effectively behave like a single entity, resembling the mass collections of atoms that form everyday objects like pendulums or billiard balls. Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for behave
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behave
Verb
  • Running back Chase Brown had his best game of the year on the ground, rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries against the Pittsburgh defense.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Washington also had a 48-yard run on the Razorbacks’ first drive and finished with 147 yards on 16 carries.
    Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors retried one of the men, John Kogut – who had made a coerced confession to the murder – but he was acquitted.
    Lauren del Valle, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • They were acquitted on the more serious charge of murder.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Movement organizers have emphasized nonviolent action and conducted safety training to promote de-escalation techniques.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • After the video spread on social media, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a post on X that the arrest came as US Border Patrol was driving around conducting immigration enforcement.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The utility also has detention basins at its Peak Flow Attenuation Facility, located off Scott Hamilton Drive, that are meant to allow the system to handle significant rain events.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Thankfully, our providers handled our pregnancy with so much care and grace knowing our history.
    Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amy Morrell, 53, a direct care staff member at the school, and other staff were attempting to restrain the teen, who officials say had been trying to leave a dorm building without permission, when the student allegedly kicked her in the chest, according to the district attorney's office.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The measure has since been watered down and now requires children between the ages of 8 to 16, starting in 2027, to pass a five-step test to be considered properly restrained by a seat belt.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Its mid-rise Harlow jeans are composed of a cotton and elastane blend, with a powder-blue hue and strategic hints of distressing down the leg.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This entire combo feels so effortless yet composed, the kind of outfit that looks intentional even after a red-eye.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alter the pH balance of urine.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The popcorn may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk of allergic reactions.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Behave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behave. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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