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

With his party in control of the upper chamber, Talarico said Democrats must enact economic policies that work for all Americans, pass universal healthcare and invest in education. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026

Specific bipartisan ideas could include enacting manufacturing and clean energy tax credits or reauthorizing federal transportation programs. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 4 Nov. 2026

The constitutional amendment raises the bar for lawmakers to overturn laws enacted through the initiative petition process, in which citizens propose laws, gather signatures and place issues directly on a statewide ballot. — Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

The new congressional boundaries Republicans enacted in May essentially eliminate four congressional districts most recently represented by Democrats. — Roger Simmons, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 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