in the act (of doing something)
idiom
: in the process of doing something
When they arrived, I was just in the act of starting to make dinner.
Examples of in the act (of doing something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The clip's charm lies in its relatability—dogs behaving like mischievous toddlers caught in the act.
—
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Supermassive black holes lurk all throughout the known universe, but catching one in the act of devouring its cosmic dinner doesn't happen all that often.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
If caught in the act of learning, the punishment could be jail, fines, or even death.
—Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025
The Chiefs are getting in the act with a yard sale of sorts ... at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the act (of doing something)
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Supermassive black holes lurk all throughout the known universe, but catching one in the act of devouring its cosmic dinner doesn't happen all that often.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025
If caught in the act of learning, the punishment could be jail, fines, or even death.
—Karida L. Brown, Essence, 21 May 2025
The Chiefs are getting in the act with a yard sale of sorts ... at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in the act (of doing something)
Cite this Entry
“In the act (of doing something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20act%20%28of%20doing%20something%29. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share