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

Whether it’s induced by the unknown or past experiences, dogs may shake, tremble, bark, act out or hide when in distress. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

When a teacher, coach, counselor, pediatrician, or school psychologist sees a boy who is withdrawing, escalating, or acting out, that should prompt care. — Wes Moore, STAT, 1 July 2026

But parents could make a lesson out of going on a trip to the bank, or with very young children, Tsuei recommends pretend play, such as acting out buying toys from a store. — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 30 June 2026

Lawmakers must resist the temptation to act out of fear to block the growth of AI and its still largely unknown benefits. — Jessica Melugin, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026