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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.

We cheered our national ideals, and the nation seemed unified in trying to live up to them.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2026

But he did not live up to the billing during the postseason, averaging only 10.2 points and 8.5 rebounds while the top-seeded Pistons were eliminated in the conference semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

Much the same happened when many dot-com companies, overpriced by investors, failed to live up to their hype and folded in March 2000.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

HBO has a history of giving us sons that don’t live up to their parents’ expectations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

Handsome realized how easy it was to make big generous pledges when he was not obliged to live up to them, so he went on.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el




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