conduct 1 of 2

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2
as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway the gutter conducts water to the curb, thus protecting the house's basement

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to steer
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front a job conducting tourists through the historical museum

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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conduct

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word conduct distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of conduct are control, direct, and manage. While all these words mean "to use one's powers to lead, guide, or dominate," conduct implies taking responsibility for the acts and achievements of a group.

conducted negotiations

In what contexts can control take the place of conduct?

The meanings of control and conduct largely overlap; however, control implies a regulating or restraining in order to keep within bounds or on a course.

controlling his appetite

When might direct be a better fit than conduct?

While in some cases nearly identical to conduct, direct implies constant guiding and regulating so as to achieve smooth operation.

directs the store's day-to-day business

When can manage be used instead of conduct?

The words manage and conduct can be used in similar contexts, but manage implies direct handling and manipulating or maneuvering toward a desired result.

manages a meat market

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 conduct
Verb
The Boring Company is conducting geotechnical assessments to ensure stability. Maria Leontaras, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025 In 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted tests at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, that are often heralded as the dawn of heavier-than-air flight. Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
Prosecutors have recommended a minimum 11-year sentence, citing the severity of the conduct and its impact on victims. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 The league constitution grants Goodell the authority to fine, suspend or even terminate the contract of a coach for conduct detrimental to the league. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conduct
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conduct
Verb
  • Some genres may be extremely violent and gory, so parents may want to consider supervising their children's viewing of films or avoid them altogether.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement Concerns about damage to parks Former park officials and advocates have expressed fear that protected land will be damaged by visitors if sites are left partially open while thousands of workers are furloughed or fired, and therefore absent from supervising lands.
    Connor Greene, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The code directed the money to a digital wallet not owned by the man, but presumably owned by the scammer, the complaint states.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2025
  • In the leadup to the deadline to fund the government this week, the White House directed agencies to prepare for mass firings in the event that Congress couldn’t reach a deal, rather than furloughing those not deemed essential as in past shutdowns.
    Connor Greene, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The powder boasts a natural finish and photo-friendly formula that behaved beautifully under the cameras of both weddings.
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2025
  • After a summer where player power and conduct dominated the transfer window talking points, Guehi demonstrated exactly how a professional should behave.
    Rob Tanner, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans, aware of that history, are trying to steer the conversation in a different direction, leaving the door open to discuss the health care issue with Democrats later — once the government has reopened.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hers is a banger about fractured trust and power struggles with a man who once steered her career.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The system operates in low Earth orbit, where thousands of small satellites form a network to transmit internet signals to users on the ground.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Dutch Bros said all orders would be taken in person either at the window or through a runner, who carries a handheld device to transmit orders to the kitchen, according to the proposal.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • For now, the 37-year-old, who holds a business management degree and owned a catering firm back in Savannah, is waiting tables at a sports bar near Madison Square Garden for three shifts and hoping to get a bartender position.
    Michael Sasso, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Fellows spend 40% of their time connecting with resources such as tutoring to obtain a GED, driver's education, domestic violence support, case management and more.
    Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Chisholm's behavior in the locker room afterwards told the rest of the story.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Adjust model behavior to match age-appropriate rules.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Stern, who co-founded Apple Fitness+ and previously oversaw Ford's subscription services, aims to upgrade Peloton's products in an effort to match its wide range of class types with its hardware.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Major League Soccer is promoting Charles Altchek, considered by many to be a potential future commissioner, to oversee the group that aids clubs in their business efforts.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conduct.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conduct. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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