Synonym Chooser

How does the verb comport differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of comport are acquit, behave, conduct, and deport. While all these words mean "to act or to cause oneself to do something in a certain way," comport suggests conduct measured by what is expected or required of one in a certain class or position.

comported themselves as gentlemen

When might acquit be a better fit than comport?

The meanings of acquit and comport largely overlap; however, acquit applies to action under stress that deserves praise or meets expectations.

acquitted herself well in her first assignment

When could behave be used to replace comport?

The words behave and comport are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, behave may apply to the meeting of a standard of what is proper or decorous.

the children behaved in church

When would conduct be a good substitute for comport?

The synonyms conduct and comport are sometimes interchangeable, but conduct implies action or behavior that shows the extent of one's power to control or direct oneself.

conducted herself with unfailing good humor

When can deport be used instead of comport?

While the synonyms deport and comport are close in meaning, deport implies behaving so as to show how far one conforms to conventional rules of discipline or propriety.

the hero deported himself in accord with the code of chivalry

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 comport Roughly akin to how Thompson was comporting himself with the Warriors after recovering from ACL and Achilles surgeries, missing two full seasons and contributing to a fourth NBA title. Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2025 Oakley’s attorneys later edited the ghostwriter’s retellings to comport to the litigation’s narrative. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Feb. 2025 But above all, Evason was most pleased by the way the Blue Jackets comported themselves in the face of one of the NHL’s fastest, most relentless and most structured clubs. Aaron Portzline, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Apple’s Tim Cook comported himself somewhat similarly. John Tamny, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for comport
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comport
Verb
  • The photograph corresponds, complements, or even dissolves the sculptural object’s manual and artisanal production procedures, functioning not as document but as its dialectical technological counterpart.
    Benjamin H. D. Buchloh, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • By contrast, the total income in their domestic league in 2022 was just €16m (note that Sheriff’s European income was split across their 2021 and 2022 financial years, so doesn’t correspond to the single-season income from UEFA).
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Secondly, for several years the Treasury market has been behaving strangely, for reasons that have nothing to do with tariffs or trade policy.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Yet another point in this episode hanging on these professionals behaving in ways that just didn’t track with their actual experience.
    Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Due to its enormous economy and population, automakers have conformed to California’s rules.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • Many of these clothes are displayed on models whose bodies conform to (and are sometimes edited to promote) hyper-idealized body standards.
    Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Flair built his reputation on limousine rides and midnight blade jobs, Bruno Sammartino carried the belt like a civic honor, and Steve Austin smashed beers on his head and then drank them on the top rope.
    Oliver Bateman, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • In 2016, 23 Republicans won seats carried by Hillary Clinton and 12 Democrats won seats carried by Trump — a total of 35 crossover districts going into 2018.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Trump Media’s announcement also coincides with the start of the bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas where Vice President JD Vance, Trump Media board member Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump are expected to speak.
    Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Harry’s trip to China coincides with King Charles’ royal visit to Canada.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The men were acquitted of murder charges, and only two were convicted of lesser offenses, according to the coalition.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 25 May 2025
  • In 2022, a former chief technical pilot for Boeing was acquitted on fraud charges tied to the Max’s development.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The top draft pick for 2025 will wear the new shade as a symbol of how to go after what fits you personally—not just what’s trending.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2025
  • Holmgren appears to be the center — at least through one game — whose versatile skill set fits a series that is tilting small.
    Anthony Slater, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • The Division of Aging Services also contracted with the University of North Georgia’s Institute for Healthy Aging in 2025 to conduct the Georgia Respite Care Study.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The audit said the investigation was being conducted by an independent forensic expert and law enforcement.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comport.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comport. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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