Definitions

good behavior

NOUN

courtesy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

civility deference generosity kindness reverence sympathy

STRONG

address affability amenities amiability attentiveness ceremony chivalry comity complaisance consideration cordiality courtliness cultivation culture elegance familiarity favor friendliness gallantry geniality gentleness graciousness indulgence polish politeness refinement respect solicitude suavity tact thoughtfulness urbanity

WEAK

courteousness gallantness good breeding

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disdain disregard meanness

STRONG

aloofness coldness coolness crudeness disrespect fear ignorance neglect roughness rudeness thoughtlessness unfriendliness

WEAK

bad manners discourtesy disfavor impoliteness pompousness unmannerliness

NOUN

etiquette

Synonyms

STRONG

amenities civility code convention courtesy customs decency decorum deportment dignity form formalities mores politesse propriety protocol rules seemliness suavities usage

WEAK

p's and q's proper behavior social graces

Antonyms

STRONG

bad manners discourtesy immorality impoliteness impropriety indecency rudeness

NOUN

mannerliness

Synonyms

WEAK

address affability amenities amiability attentiveness ceremony chivalry civility comity complaisance consideration cordiality courteousness courtliness cultivation culture deference elegance familiarity favor friendliness gallantness gallantry generosity geniality genteelness gentility gentleness good breeding graciousness indulgence kindness polish politeness politesse refinement respect reverence solicitude suavity sympathy tact thoughtfulness urbanity

NOUN

politesse

Synonyms

STRONG

address affability amenities amiability attentiveness ceremony chivalry civility comity complaisance consideration cordiality courtliness cultivation culture deference elegance familiarity favor friendliness gallantry generosity geniality genteelness gentility gentleness graciousness indulgence kindness polish politeness refinement respect reverence solicitude suavity sympathy tact thoughtfulness urbanity

WEAK

courteousness gallantness good breeding mannerliness

Antonyms

STRONG

aloofness coldness coolness crudeness disdain dishonor disregard disrespect fear ignorance impoliteness incompatibility indifference meanness neglect roughness rudeness thoughtlessness unfriendliness

NOUN

propriety

Synonyms

STRONGEST

correctness decency decorum dignity modesty rectitude respectability

STRONG

amenities breeding civilities courtesy delicacy etiquette mores niceties politeness politesse protocol punctilio refinement seemliness

WEAK

accepted conduct good form rules of conduct social conventions social grace the done thing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

impropriety indecency

STRONG

bad manners crudeness impoliteness rudeness

WEAK

immorality inappropriateness misbehavior misconduct unsuitableness wrong

NOUN

p's and q's

Synonyms

WEAK

best behavior good example manners

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.

It is what happens when you stop rewarding dysfunction and start recognizing good behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Nearly 30 inmates, selected for good behavior, donned tuxedos with pink boutonnieres and waited as daughters, some dressed in formal gowns, were led into the prison’s Bible college transformed into a makeshift dance hall.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

The proper response isn’t to nudge them toward good behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

Students qualify for prison education programs only once they have a record of good behavior, and even minor infractions can get them kicked out.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2025

Was it right, she questioned Kit, to bribe children into good behavior by these stories?

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

good behavior

Example Sentences

Related Words