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

But Popovich always behaved like his position was about more than just basketball. —Adam Harris, The Atlantic, 8 May 2025

If the presidential election were held today, Trump — despite sacking the federal government and behaving as though he were elected to rescue Americans from their own Constitution — would still beat Kamala Harris, albeit by a narrower margin. —Gregory Wallance, The Hill, 6 May 2025

Despite her husband’s seeming acceptance of racist attitudes, Miss Lillian, as she was known, believed and behaved as if all people were equal in God’s eyes. —Greta Bjornson, People.com, 5 May 2025

Several viewers have shared their own opinions on what the goldendoodle's decision to stay downstairs with the man means, while others have expressed how similarly their own pets behave, or poked fun at the viral moment, causing joy among viewers. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025