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enact

verb
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en·​act | \ i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio) \
enacted; enacting; enacts

Definition of enact

transitive verb

1 : to establish by legal and authoritative act specifically : to make into law enact a bill
2 : act out enact a role
Other Words from enact Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about enact

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Other Words from enact

enactor \ i-​ˈnak-​tər How to pronounce enactor (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for enact

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Examples of enact in a Sentence

Congress will enact legislation related to that issue. The law was finally enacted today.
Recent Examples on the Web However, Scruggs questioned whether the two congregants’ deaths might have been prevented had Texas enacted stronger gun legislation. — Robert T. Garrett, Dallas News, "Gov. Greg Abbott awards medal to armed deacon who stopped White Settlement church attack," 13 Jan. 2020 The decision to enact a draft is not made at or by U.S. Army Recruiting Command. — Josiah Bates, Time, "U.S. Army Issues Warning About Fake Texts Calling People to Report for a Draft," 10 Jan. 2020 The release clarified that the decision to enact a draft is made by the Selective Service System, a separate agency out of the Department of Defense. — Briana Rice, Cincinnati.com, "U.S. Army warns about fake military draft messages," 9 Jan. 2020 Countries must spend the money to enact solutions and build out robust, full-service mechanisms using pieces of existing technology. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, "Elon Musk's Plan for One Giant Solar Farm Is a Little Insane, but Not Completely Insane," 10 Dec. 2019 Governments sometimes lack the resources to bridge the gap and are slow to enact policies fostering growth. — Wired, "A Remote Tanzanian Village Logs Onto the Internet," 8 Dec. 2019 Sweeping reform lies in the hands of corporations and countries, but cutting down on trash is one way to enact change as individuals. — Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, "Want to Reduce Your Waste? Do This First.," 24 Oct. 2019 Will & Grace star McCormack has been attending the event since its inception, compelled by the Rape Center’s ability to enact positive change. — Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, "Survivor Stories and Celebrity Support Power the Rape Foundation’s Brunch," 7 Oct. 2019 The Act, considered a Valhalla for reformers, is actually more of a concept with no real plan in how to enact the changes proposed. — Los Angeles Times, "Racing! Happy New Year!," 1 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enact.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of enact

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Time Traveler for enact

Time Traveler

The first known use of enact was in the 15th century

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Statistics for enact

Last Updated

19 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Enact.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enact. Accessed 23 January 2020.

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More Definitions for enact

enact

verb
How to pronounce enact (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of enact

somewhat formal : to perform (something, such as a scene in a play)
: to make (a bill or other legislation) officially become part of the law

See the full definition for enact in the English Language Learners Dictionary

enact

verb
en·​act | \ i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio) \
enacted; enacting

Kids Definition of enact

1 : to perform or act out Two students enacted the story for the class.
2 : to make into law enact legislation

Other Words from enact

enactment \ -​mənt \ noun

enact

transitive verb
en·​act | \ i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio) \

Legal Definition of enact

: to establish by legal and authoritative act : make into law enact a bill

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More from Merriam-Webster on enact

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for enact

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with enact

Spanish Central: Translation of enact

Nglish: Translation of enact for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of enact for Arabic Speakers

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