Synonyms of misbehave

misbehave

verb

ˌmis-bi-ˈhāv 

as in to disobey

to behave badly

scolded the children for misbehaving and sent them to bed early

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disobey
• misconduct
• rebel
• act out
• run riot
• carry on
• act up
• raise Cain
• cut up
• horse around
• show off
• fool around
• kid (around)
• clown (around)
• roughhouse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• act
• conduct
• comply
• quit
• bear
• conform
• move
• control
• check
• restrain
• contain
• handle
• demean
• collect
• acquit
• inhibit
• deport
• comport
• curb
• compose
• constrain
• repress
• quiet

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of misbehave

Husbands should have dominion over misbehaving wives’ weight, spending habits, and choice of television programs. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

Uber, in a court filing seeking to have Grimes thrown off the case, said the San Francisco attorney had also misbehaved earlier. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 8 May 2026

When lawyers misbehave, people stop believing in the court system and in equal justice. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026

Alienating allies When troubles mounted earlier this year, Neugebauer began to misbehave in public. — Chris Tomlinson, Houston Chronicle, 30 Apr. 2026