Definition of comportnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb comport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comport are acquit, behave, conduct, and deport. While all these words mean "to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way," comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position.

comported themselves as gentlemen

When might acquit be a better fit than comport?

The meanings of acquit and comport largely overlap; however, acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations.

acquitted herself well in her first assignment

When could behave be used to replace comport?

The words behave and comport are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous.

the children behaved in church

When would conduct be a good substitute for comport?

The synonyms conduct and comport are sometimes interchangeable, 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 can deport be used instead of comport?

While the synonyms deport and comport are close in meaning, 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 comport The pair hosted a series of joint practices over the years and Payton always thought highly of how Belichick’s teams comported themselves. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025 On Friday, the Heat coach returned to his sanctuary -- the Kaseya Center court -- and comported himself in a way that left his players inspired. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025 Moura remembers how his grandfather and his father comported themselves. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 But generally, the Bobcats comported themselves well against their Big 12 opponent — in contrast to, for example, Oregon State. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comport
Verb
  • McMahon corresponded with his professors.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • But some people familiar with the matter say an applications uptick does not necessarily correspond to a surge in high-caliber recruits that can offset the attrition the bureau has endured.
    Eric Tucker, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That divide is also showing up in how buyers behave on the ground, says Gerard Splendore, a real estate broker at Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York City.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The human eye expects weather to behave gradually, with soft edges and transitions.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The new project, which coincided with the brand’s 50th anniversary, offered casual fans and true aficionados the opportunity to discover the Armani archives with an interactive online platform that collated and organized its collections.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Jasso purportedly timed the shooting to coincide with the 27th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado, as well as Adolf Hitler's birthday.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • March 21 – April 19 Your words carry weight today.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
  • When Raphael died, a hundred torches were carried by painters at his funeral, and he was buried in the rotunda of the Pantheon.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Business owners, religious believers and now licensed professionals have faced mounting pressure to conform to a particular ideological framework or face penalties.
    Jeffrey S. Trimbath, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Never one to conform to tradition, Diana selected the ring anyway, setting the tone for her own unique approach to royal life.
    Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • During her retrial in 2025, Read was acquitted of the most serious charges and found guilty of operating under the influence of liquor.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • She was retried the following summer, when the jury acquitted her on all charges except drunken driving.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Residents argue the project is too large, doesn't fit the neighborhood, and will worsen flooding in the area.
    Ted Scouten, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the company kept inventing products that fit a need in a changing nation.
    Nancy Cutler, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The legislative auditor raised additional concerns about oversight, missing progress reports, site visits that may never have been conducted and, in some cases, payments that were made to providers before their grant agreement was even finalized.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The foundational workshop, conducted in Mandarin and Cantonese, will teach and train Chinese American community members ages 18 and older residing in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties to act as eyes and ears for suicidal distress and connect individuals to help.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comport. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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