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
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Recent Examples of behaviors
Many child behaviors that worry parents are normal and part of development.
—
Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
Such behaviors bring an evolutionary advantage.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
The researchers often used data from around 2012 due to the long delay between exposure and cancer, which means the data may not reflect the most recent behaviors or environments.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Greeting behaviors are universal enough that they are thought to be ancient, emerging before primate groups evolved.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 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
Still, over time, even harmlessly annoying behaviors can breed resentment in a friendship.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
These activities engage animals both mentally and physically, providing stimulation that encourages natural behaviors and supports overall animal welfare.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 2026
Family members said Zettel had tried unsuccessfully for years to get her daughter mental health help and was afraid of Spors' escalating aggressive behaviors.
—Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Melissa Willets, Parents, 5 Feb. 2026
Such behaviors bring an evolutionary advantage.
—Evan Bush, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
The researchers often used data from around 2012 due to the long delay between exposure and cancer, which means the data may not reflect the most recent behaviors or environments.
—Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Greeting behaviors are universal enough that they are thought to be ancient, emerging before primate groups evolved.
—Shayla Love, New Yorker, 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
Still, over time, even harmlessly annoying behaviors can breed resentment in a friendship.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
These activities engage animals both mentally and physically, providing stimulation that encourages natural behaviors and supports overall animal welfare.
—Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register, 3 Feb. 2026
Family members said Zettel had tried unsuccessfully for years to get her daughter mental health help and was afraid of Spors' escalating aggressive behaviors.
—Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for behaviors
Noun
-
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,
16 Feb. 2026
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Last Thursday, the league issued a $500,000 fine to the Utah Jazz and a $100,000 penalty to the Indiana Pacers for sitting healthy players, believing their apparent tanking actions compromised the league's competitive integrity.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Such dogs are characterized by serene, quiet demeanors and deep emotional bonds with their human companions.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026
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While a dog can be bribed with a squeaky toy and a pig would surely look at the camera when enticed with a sausage on a stick, cats are known for their admirably self-serving demeanors.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
It is meant to shape attitudes, behavior and public conduct.—
Irfan Sarwar,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2026
-
The answer, Sanchez told me, depends less on what the landscape can support and more on what Americans’ attitudes will.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
16 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Judith Martin's Miss Manners column has chronicled the continuous rise and fall of American manners since 1978.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Good manners and charm go a long way – ha!—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Behaviors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behaviors. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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