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be bad

VERB
act up (misbehave)
Synonyms
WEAK
act out be out of line behave badly carry on fool around horseplay make trouble misbehave rebel set a bad example show off
Antonyms
WEAK
behave
VERB
misbehave
Synonyms
STRONGEST
act up fool around trespass
STRONG
deviate fail misconduct offend roughhouse sin transgress
WEAK
be at fault be dissolute be guilty be immoral be indecorous be insubordinate be mischievous be out of line be out of order be reprehensible bend the law carry on cut up do evil do wrong get into mischief go astray go wrong make trouble sow wild oats take a wrong turn
Antonyms
STRONG
behave obey

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2022, Spirit agreed to be acquired by New York-based airline JetBlue, but the merger was eventually blocked in 2024 by a federal judge who said the deal would be bad for competition.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

It seems like protecting children may be bad for business.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

His comments came just days after American CEO Robert Isom said a merger with United would be bad for customers, the industry and American Airlines.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

American said Friday that merging with United would be bad for competition and consumers and is “therefore inconsistent with our understanding of the Administration’s philosophy toward the industry and principles of antitrust law.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Work in the tavern wouldn’t be bad, maybe, and Jenny would be kind to Ruth.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson