BEHAVE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

behave

verb

bi-ˈhāv

Definition of behave next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 behave Bomberman is likely to behave much like the monkey but replace bananas with bombs. —

Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 Offering an advantage Although there are plenty of adorable videos of dogs and cats behaving kindly with each other or their human companions, historically compassion has differentiated humans from animals. —

Tara Sonenshine, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025 Grannies behaving badly has been the concept behind a litany of ads (including one just last year) as well as movies ranging from 80 for Brady to last year’s Thelma. —

Rob Ledonne, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025 The specifics of forecast models this far out in time can change dramatically, so this is just a general idea of how storms could behave and not a high-confidence, detailed forecast. —

Mary Gilbert, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for behave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for behave

Verb

American Airlines Flight Reportedly Delayed by WiFi Hotspot Using the Word ‘Bomb’ According to The Tico Times, an English-language media organization based in Costa Rica, the bus carried more than 70 passengers.

— Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
The Earth's upper crust contains around 3.5% iron, and dust generated on impact would carry these nutrients into the ocean, along with any additional iron that might be carried by the asteroid.

— Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025