Synonyms for

Behave

Verb / bɪˈheɪv / Another word for behave — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to act in a well-mannered way or to follow rules or guidelines

Synonyms & similar words

do conduct bear act misbehave acquit deport comport carry comply conform mind observe obey perform

Synonyms by register

Formal

conduct oneself act perform

Informal

act up behave oneself behave badly carry on

Literary

demean oneself carry oneself

Antonyms

misbehave disobey rebel defy riot disrupt

Common collocations

  • behave well
  • behave badly
  • behave yourself
  • behave like
  • how to behave
  • behave in a
  • behave responsibly

Word family

noun behavior
verb behave
adjective behaved
adverb behaviorally

Usage note

Often used reflexively, as in 'behave yourself'. Can also refer to the way something functions or operates, especially in a scientific context.

Example sentences

  1. I always expect my students to behave in class.
  2. If you don't behave, we won't have any dessert.
  3. The children were warned to behave at the museum.
  4. My dog needs to behave better on walks.
  5. It is important to behave respectfully in church.

Quotes

  • Good behavior is the last refuge of mediocrity.
  • If you want to make enemies, try to change something.
  • I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it.

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