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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
follow
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.

“It makes you rethink, ‘How am I going to present these individuals that represent certain character traits that we want our children to grasp or to live up to, right?’”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

The State of the Union can be messy and frequently doesn’t live up to the hype, yet it compels the chief executive—and his critics—ultimately to address themselves to the source of American power, the people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Dunk’s good, stout heart informs his determination to live up to the ancient chivalric oaths, which also makes him hopelessly naïve.

From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026

Mayweather beat fellow welterweight Pacquiao in their money-spinning 2015 "Fight of the Century," which generated a record 4.6 million pay-per-view buys but largely failed to live up to the hype.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

These words were flung back at me many times when Mr. de Klerk seemed not to live up to them.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela