Synonyms for

Behaves

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

Definition

To act in a certain way; to conduct oneself properly or appropriately.

Synonyms & similar words

deport comport misbehave act acquit bear do conduct carry behave acts conducts comports does operates performs reacts responds shows obeys complies accepts observes

Synonyms by register

Formal

conducts oneself acts performs

Informal

acts up carries on carries on like a lunatic

Literary

comports oneself deports oneself

Antonyms

misbehaves disobeys defies rebels disrupts acts out

Common collocations

  • behaves well
  • behaves badly
  • behaves properly
  • behaves responsibly
  • behaves erratically
  • behaves normally
  • behaves inappropriately

Word family

noun behavior
verb behave
adjective well-behaved
adverb well-behaved

Usage note

The verb 'behave' often implies acting in a socially acceptable or expected manner. It can be used with adverbs like 'well', 'badly', 'properly', or 'inappropriately' to specify the nature of the action.

Example sentences

  1. She behaves well in class.
  2. The dog behaves badly when left alone.
  3. He always behaves like a gentleman around women.
  4. The children were told to behave during the ceremony.
  5. The teacher praised the students for behaving during the fire drill.

Quotes

  • A man who behaves like a beast is worse than the beast itself.
  • The best way to behave is to misbehave.
  • You can tell a lot about a person by the way he or she behaves in a waiting room.

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