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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
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Other Words from enact

enactor \ i-​ˈnak-​tər How to pronounce enact (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 Others say the problem lies with Mexican authorities, who waited too long to enact strict lockdown measures, making places like Mexico City enticing to outsiders. — New York Times, "Fleeing Lockdown, Americans Are Flocking to Mexico City," 2 Jan. 2021 Others say the problem lies with Mexican authorities, who waited too long to enact strict lockdown measures, making places like Mexico City enticing to outsiders. — Oscar Lopez, BostonGlobe.com, "Fleeing lockdown, Americans are flocking to Mexico City," 2 Jan. 2021 The city also cut $1 million from its policing budget and will enact changes to its Civilian Police Review Board in the spring. — Rebecca Lurye, courant.com, "Homicide ‘dead pool’ further divides Hartford police and community, setting back progress on reforms," 10 Dec. 2020 Moderates, many from swing-districts or states, often focus on local issues that don't always draw the spotlight and boast of working across the aisle to enact more incremental changes in larger policy. — Christal Hayes, USA TODAY, "The Democratic party is waging a war over its future just as Joe Biden is taking the helm," 15 Nov. 2020 Or is there a broader plan to enact policy changes that Trump could tout in his final days as commander in chief? — Lolita C. Baldor, Star Tribune, "Military wary that shakeup could upend its apolitical nature," 11 Nov. 2020 Stuart Waldman, president of the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn., challenged the notion that City Hall was suddenly going to enact sweeping changes sought by some activists after Tuesday. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, "L.A. jolted by progressive political shakeup this week. Is it just the beginning?," 6 Nov. 2020 Although the tool cannot be used for all policy purposes, it could be used to enact tax changes favored by Biden and Democrats. — Jay Heflin, Washington Examiner, "Biden tax hikes become more likely as Democratic Senate odds increase," 13 Oct. 2020 That dynamic, the thinking goes, minimizes the risk that politicians enact drastic legislative changes that could disrupt the economy. — Matt Egan, CNN, "Stocks perform better when a Democrat is in the White House. History proves it," 23 Sep. 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

17 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Enact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enact. Accessed 28 Jan. 2021.

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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

Nglish: Translation of enact for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of enact for Arabic Speakers

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