1
2
as in show
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
was putting on an act when she said she didn't mind being left out of the outing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in law
a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature
the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public buildings to have wheelchair access
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in thing
something done by someone
it's acts such as this—lying about having to work late—that make me feel like I can't trust you
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to play
to present a portrayal or performance of
a local student acted the part of Tiny Tim in our theater company's production of A Christmas Carol
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
3
4
5
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of
if you act confident long enough, you'll begin to actually feel it
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in to mock
to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior
someone who is willing to act the helpless little thing when she wants attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of act
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
An actual nightmare marks the transition into The Secret Agent’s explosive third act.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Mike Randall, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Coach Billy Donovan values the consistency with which the guard can act as a driving force for a Bulls offense that often stalls in the half-court.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Are not random acts of rhyming gone wrong still more pleasant than thinking about squealing war-babies, the wrecking ball that is the last week of a Florida legislative session or the AI Apocalypse which should be here (checks watch) very soon?
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
An actual nightmare marks the transition into The Secret Agent’s explosive third act.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
The conviction capped a yearslong process that included investigations by New York authorities and a pursuit for justice by Monica's family, who accused Baldner of acting recklessly during a routine traffic stop and subsequent deadly chase.
—Mike Randall, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Coach Billy Donovan values the consistency with which the guard can act as a driving force for a Bulls offense that often stalls in the half-court.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Leo July 23 – August 22 This atmosphere favors uncomplicated, consistent routines.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
For a company built around celebration — Fourth of July backyard shows, wedding sendoffs and bursts of color in the sky — the routine has become an uneasy one.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In each show, the two nitwits would set out on some caper, which would inevitably go horribly wrong, leaving them broke, or tied up, or in jail, or hanging over a cliff, or some other situation of great peril.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
With style, grace and a lot of love, the Lower Merion High School figure skating duo of Justin and Suri Lue know how to put on a cutting-edge show.—
Krystle Rich,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Italy's Constitutional Court on March 12 upheld a 2025 law restricting citizenship to persons with an Italian parent or grandparent.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Collins and athletic director Todd Stewart are determined for things to go much differently next season.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The conception meant that the show would need multiple actors playing Scarpetta, with one as the lead of the series.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Phillips also played a complete season in 2025 after seeing two separate significant injuries end his seasons in 2023 (Achilles) and 2024 (ACL).—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Phillips is recovering from Tommy John surgery, while Graterol is working his way back from right shoulder surgery.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The scientists used the hydrogel to build a working sensor that detects a compound known as sakacin P in milk.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But the present seems brighter, if not yet fully realized.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
At home, her mother seemed anxious and depressed.—
Ruby Cramer,
New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Russia's Defense Ministry on Saturday said the nighttime strikes targeted energy and industrial facilities serving Ukraine's armed forces, as well as military airfields.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Paint rollers serve as toilet paper handles, reclaimed wood accents line the walls, and refurbished oil drums pose as outdoor seating.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
