enact

verb

en·​act i-ˈnakt 

enacted; enacting; enacts

transitive verb

1

: to establish by legal and authoritative act

specifically : to make into law

enact a bill

2

: act out

enact a role

enactor

i-ˈnak-tər 

noun

Synonyms of enact

• pass
• constitute
• legislate
• approve
• make

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

Carro, in September, dismissed terrorism charges after finding Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office had misapplied a statute enacted in the wake of 9/11. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026

When it was enacted, amendments were included to allow for adjustments during economic downturns and fiscal emergencies. —J.b. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026

By Nadia Lathan | CalMatters Just months after lawmakers enacted major reforms to speed up home and apartment building, a new proposal seeks to force even more cities to allow housing near major transit hubs. —Calmatters, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026

Meanwhile, Mamdani needs Hochul to enact some of his sweeping campaign promises, including universal childcare and fast and free buses. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for enact

• abstract
• attacked
• attract
• contact
• contract
• detract
• distract
• exact
• extract
• hijacked
• impact
• intact

Kids Definition

enact

verb

en·​act in-ˈakt 

1

: to make (as a bill) into law

enact legislation

2

: to act out

enact a scene from a play

enactor

-ˈak-tər 

noun

Legal Definition

enact

transitive verb

en·​act i-ˈnakt 

: to establish by legal and authoritative act : make into law

enact a bill