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

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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 Learning how to behave, who's in your corner, how to meet the right people, everything. —

Tom Orsborn, San Antonio Express-News, 8 May 2026 Large-format porcelain tiles in wet areas, with a slip rating of R10 or better, look like stone but behave like safety equipment. —

Amy Kunst, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2026 These structures essentially behave like a hall of mirrors that control which wavelengths can pass and which are reflected. —

IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 Growth leaders across industries are already behaving this way. —

Catherine Nekavand, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for behave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for behave

Verb

The outbreak linked to the MV Hondius began after the Dutch cruise ship, carrying 147 passengers and crew members, departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic voyage.

— Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
The Knicks’ wings have carried their defense throughout this playoff run.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026

Definition of carry

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begun

behave

behaved

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“Behave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/behave. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of behave

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