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live up to









Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for live up to?
The verb phrase live up to is used in the context of standards and expectations. To live up to a standard or expectation is to meet it, match it, or measure up to it. This means your real-life actions have conformed to what was expected or required. If you live up to your end of the bargain, you carry out or fulfill your duty or responsibility.
What is the opposite (antonym) of live up to?
The phrase live up to can be used in negative constructions, as in That restaurant didn’t live up to the hype. To not live up to a standard or expectation is to fail to meet it or match it—to fall short of it.
How do you use live up to in a sentence?
We usually use live up to in the context of expectations. Here are some examples of live up to in a sentence:
  • She has really lived up to her mother’s cycling legacy—and it looks like she may surpass it.
  • I lived up to my side of the deal, so now it’s time for you to pay up.
  • Based on the reviews, the new model didn’t live up to expectations for many customers.

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.

See Examples For:

That suggests that even if Anthropic and OpenAI IPOs live up to Wall Street’s lofty expectations, these companies will be long dealing with risky political and regulatory headaches atypical for nascent industries.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 29, 2026

"To live up to the hatred that they say they have, they had to fire me," Curlee said.

From Barron's Aug. 26, 2026

Like so much in the semiconductor space, the Samsung news was not negative, but just didn’t live up to expectations given its stock has surged 114% this year and 259% over the last 52 weeks.

From MarketWatch Aug. 24, 2026

Rodriguez made Schalk live up to his promise.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 16, 2026

“Because I was worrying about what everyone else was thinking about me, and I was trying to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles




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