good behavior
Americannoun
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satisfactory, proper, or polite conduct.
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conduct conformable to law; orderly conduct.
The convict's sentence was reduced for good behavior.
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proper fulfillment of the duties of an office, especially a public office.
The incumbent could not be discharged during good behavior.
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.
“As they dial up their good behavior, we can dial up the economic relief,” Vance said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Sugary and fatty foods have become common at birthday parties, school events, sports activities, and even as rewards for good behavior.
From Science Daily ● May 21, 2026
Nearly 30 inmates, selected for good behavior, donned tuxedos with pink boutonnieres and waited as daughters, some dressed in formal gowns, were led into the prison’s Bible college transformed into a makeshift dance hall.
From Salon ● Nov. 30, 2025
Those prisons provide a chance for recreation, education, interaction with other inmates, as well as the possibility of transferring to lower-security institutions as a reward for good behavior.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2025
When the savage young sparrow showed signs of good behavior, Matthias would feed her morsels of candied chestnut.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
