Synonyms of misbehave

misbehave

verb

ˌmis-bi-ˈhāv 

as in to disobey

to behave badly

scolded the children for misbehaving and sent them to bed early

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disobey
• misconduct
• rebel
• raise hell
• act out
• run riot
• carry on
• act up
• raise Cain
• cut up
• horse around
• show off
• fool around
• kid (around)
• clown (around)
• roughhouse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• act
• conduct
• comply
• quit
• bear
• conform
• move
• control
• check
• restrain
• contain
• handle
• demean
• collect
• acquit
• inhibit
• deport
• comport
• curb
• compose
• constrain
• repress
• quiet

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of misbehave

Scientists say it’s being caused by a misbehaving polar vortex combining with a key weather pattern that seems to be stuck in place. —Mary Gilbert, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025

Cosseted from sunup to sundown by a smiling staff, they’re freed from the horse’s harness of daily routine, only to misbehave (drugs, alcohol, guns and worse) and then suffer for it. —Tom Gliatto, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025

Another expressed hope the birth parents know about their puppy misbehaving. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025

And, of course, speedily deport those who misbehave. — George W. Price, Chicago Our benighted states The only renaming of place that is called for in this age of Donald Trump is the United States of America. —Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025