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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.

“I expect the current bout of inflation we’re experiencing will be bad for the trust fund,” Goldwein says.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

“I’ll never forget, he told me, ‘Byron, you’re only as good as you dare to be bad.’

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

And it may be bad news for the highest-paid athletes.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

"That's going to be bad news for our colleagues who want extra hours, particularly students who, in holiday time, need extra hours, and of course bad news for customers because service won't be as good."

From BBC • May 25, 2026

However, I know that surprises can sometimes be bad, like the day Ms. Mac left me forever.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney

be bad

Example Sentences

Related Words