behaving

VERB

function

Synonyms

STRONGEST

act operate perform react

STRONG

run take work

Antonyms

STRONGEST

halt stop

WEAK

act up misbehave

VERB

act reasonably, properly

Synonyms

STRONGEST

manage

STRONG

control direct

WEAK

act correctly act one's age act with decorum be civil be good be nice be on best behavior be orderly comport oneself conduct oneself properly demean oneself deport oneself discipline oneself keep one's nose clean keep the peace live up to manage oneself mind one's manners mind one's p's and q's observe golden rule observe the law play fair shape up toe the mark watch one's step

Antonyms

WEAK

act up misbehave

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.

“The market is increasingly behaving as though the U.S.-Iran war is ending and the oil market is about to return to normal,” Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, wrote in a weekend note.

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

After treatment, the old stem cells began behaving more like young, healthy cells again.

From Science Daily • May 12, 2026

Police were called to a report of a man behaving in an intimidating manner in the village of Wolferton, near the Sandringham Estate, at about 19:30 on Wednesday.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Alito attended Princeton during the Vietnam War and was put off “by very privileged people behaving irresponsibly,” as he later described his classmates.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

My mom sounded upset, again, which was a drag, because ever since the plane tickets arrived she’d been behaving so well.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx