Definitions

live up to

VERB

behave

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 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

VERB

equal

Synonyms

STRONGEST

amount to break even compare comprise correspond match reach

STRONG

agree approach balance coordinate emulate equalize equate equipoise level meet parallel rival tally tie touch

WEAK

be commensurate be identical be level be tantamount come up to consist of equiponderate keep pace with measure up partake of rank with rise to run abreast square with

Antonyms

STRONGEST

differ fail

STRONG

disagree disconnect disproportion imbalance separate

WEAK

unmatch vary

VERB

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adhere to adopt attend keep observe reflect serve support watch

STRONG

accord comply conform copy cultivate emulate harmonize heed imitate match mimic mind mirror note obey regard

WEAK

abide by be consistent with be devoted to be guided by be in keeping be interested in do like follow suit give allegiance to hold fast keep abreast of keep an eye on model on pattern oneself upon string along take after take as an example

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disregard ignore let go neglect overlook refuse reject release

STRONG

be original clash deny differ disagree disobey fight oppose

WEAK

avoid go before lead misunderstand not get pass over precede scorn shun slight

VERB

honor

Synonyms

STRONGEST

admire appreciate celebrate commemorate commend laud observe praise revere worship

STRONG

acclaim adore aggrandize compliment decorate dignify distinguish ennoble erect esteem exalt glorify hallow keep lionize magnify prize sanctify sublime value venerate

WEAK

be faithful be true give glad hand give key to city look up to roll out red carpet uprear

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blame censure condemn criticize despise dishonor disregard forget hate ignore neglect overlook

STRONG

belittle castigate debase degrade denounce disgrace dislike disrespect humiliate insult lower mock shame

WEAK

betray reproach

VERB

panegyrize

Synonyms

WEAK

acclaim admire adore aggrandize appreciate be faithful be true celebrate commemorate commend compliment decorate dignify distinguish ennoble erect esteem eulogize exalt extol give glad hand give key to city glorify hail hallow keep laud lionize look up to magnify observe praise prize revere roll out red carpet sanctify sing someone's praises sublime uprear value venerate worship

VERB

practice

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apply do engage in execute follow observe perform pursue work at

STRONG

fulfill function ply

WEAK

carry on put into effect specialize in

Antonyms

STRONGEST

disregard fail forget ignore miss neglect shun stop

STRONG

idle

WEAK

cease halt

VERB

promise

Synonyms

STRONGEST

affirm agree assure commit declare ensure guarantee vow

STRONG

accede affiance assent bargain betroth bind compact consent contract covenant engage espouse hock insure mortgage obligate pass pawn pledge plight profess secure stipulate subscribe swear undertake underwrite vouch warrant

WEAK

answer for asseverate cross heart say so string along swear on bible swear up and down take an oath

Antonyms

STRONGEST

deny disavow

STRONG

break break off disagree disapprove dissent divorce enlarge give up let go loose loosen lose protest refuse reject release unfasten untie

WEAK

discourage renege

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.

“You should write your obituary and figure out how to live up to it,” Warren Buffett, then 92, said in 2023.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

They can live up to 41 years, nearly ten times longer than similarly sized rodents.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

A then-record signing from Norwich in a deal rising to £38m in 2021, the playmaker struggled to live up to the billing and scored just four goals in 38 games in his debut season.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

“The White House has always been clear that we expect our trade deal partners, including the European Union, to live up to their agreed-upon commitments,” said White House spokesman Kush Desai.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“There’s no way Paris could live up to Barcelona, anyway. No way.”

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

live up to

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words