MISBEHAVE Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

misbehave

verb

ˌmis-bi-ˈhāv

Definition of misbehave

as in to disobey

to behave badly scolded the children for misbehaving and sent them to bed early

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of misbehave Much is made of our heroes’ fear of the Manor, an on-site memory-care facility to which misbehaving residents are sometimes sent. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 31 May 2026 Husbands should have dominion over misbehaving wives’ weight, spending habits, and choice of television programs. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 Uber, in a court filing seeking to have Grimes thrown off the case, said the San Francisco attorney had also misbehaved earlier. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 8 May 2026 When lawyers misbehave, people stop believing in the court system and in equal justice. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for misbehave

Recent Examples of Synonyms for misbehave

Verb

The creditors’ lawsuit describes Kenny as a bullying presence who routinely threatened to fire anyone who disobeyed his orders.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
Cops had issued summonses to the driver twice before, once in 2024 for failing to yield to a pedestrian and in 2018 for disobeying a traffic device, officials said.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of disobey

Verb

The Utah Supreme Court ordered a new trial last year, pointing to misconduct by investigators.

— Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
In addition, referees were instructed to apply the rules regarding fouls and misconducts more strictly – a move meant to protect players and their inventiveness.

— Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

Definition of misconduct

Browse Nearby Words

misbegotten

misbehave

misbehaved

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“Misbehave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misbehave. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of misbehave

verb

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