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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In a separate April 24 letter, 58 members of Congress demanded the labor board's acting general counsel, William Cowen, answer a number of questions including how DOGE officials got approval for the labor board access, what information was taken and why certain controls were disabled.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
When deciding what policies to continue, employers face a tricky balancing act between the White House’s crusade against DEI, the anti-discrimination protections already in case law, and demands from shareholders, customers and employees.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
Drake is always willing to pull out his acting chops when necessary.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In a separate April 24 letter, 58 members of Congress demanded the labor board's acting general counsel, William Cowen, answer a number of questions including how DOGE officials got approval for the labor board access, what information was taken and why certain controls were disabled.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In turn, creators receive ongoing support and unique engagement opportunities, forming lasting, genuine connections.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
That in turn leads to a heavier aircraft which, by definition, requires larger engines.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
3 May 2025
Noun
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The case out of Dedham, Massachusetts has turned into a years-long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies, and television shows.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Elsewhere during her appearance on Kimmel's show, the Bombshell actress discussed working alongside Kill Bill star Uma Thurman for The Old Guard 2.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
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The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
New laws in five states Others have followed Trump and Kennedy's lead.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Working on the show is different from a lot of other things, especially in TV.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
5 May 2025
-
Her truth is about lying to become PTA president and that kind of thing.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Still, Ordine thinks most wagering on the conclave is likely to happen informally among friends, similar to the squares people play for the Super Bowl.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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As for Clark, who set numerous records while playing for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes before being picked up by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 draft, she is set to begin her second season with the team.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
But the people who worked alongside us all those years responded with ear-to-ear grins.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
5 May 2025
-
Andersen, who wrote and directed the movie, is also a seasoned producer (Everest, Lone Survivor) and activist who has worked extensively with refugees in Syria, Jordan, and beyond.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Verb
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Later, while Williams was in prison for a different crime, a man who had shared a cell with him wrote a letter to the district attorney, saying Williams seemed very interested in the DNA testing that had been done in the case.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Instead, the government-wide effort to slash jobs and the freezing of work related to climate change seems to have combined to push employees out the door.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
1 May 2025
Verb
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There is also a good smattering of creations from Louis Vuitton, which is the show’s lead sponsor and where Virgil Abloh served as creative director of men’s collections and was succeeded by Pharrell Williams.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
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Haslem, who joins Prime Video from ESPN, will serve as a studio analyst alongside Griffin, Nowitzki, and Rooks for the streaming network’s pre-game, halftime, and post-game NBA coverage.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
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