Synonyms of act out

act out

verb

as in to misconduct

to behave badly

because his parents spent so much time with his chronically ill sister, the boy resorted to acting out in order to get attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of act out

Another chapter digs into Ronson’s rocky friendship with the comedy writer Graham Linehan, whose involvement in the gender-critical movement led him to act out online in ways that Ronson reads as self-destructive. — Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026

The next time your child acts out, try doing these five things. — Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026

Inside, under flickering lights, a group of reluctant strangers is coaxed into acting out, in a converted gymnasium, a wild tale promising redemption from agonizing tragedy. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Traditional Rocky Horror movie showings include a costumed cast acting out the events on screen, with bags of props handed out for audience participation during certain scenes. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026