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.
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Recent Examples of act
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Those who violate the act risk being removed from federal service.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Daniel Schubert, Hern's attorney, disagreed with prosecutors that Hern's failure to act would be sufficient to secure a conviction.
—Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Police arrested three people Thursday on suspicion of the preparation or commission of acts of terrorism.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Those who violate the act risk being removed from federal service.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
An international team of scientists has developed an artificial intelligence capable of creating highly detailed data inside a fusion reactor, effectively acting as a virtual sensor.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Daniel Schubert, Hern's attorney, disagreed with prosecutors that Hern's failure to act would be sufficient to secure a conviction.
—Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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And the Democrats, in turn, may struggle to regain lost ground.—
Kate Plummer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The bag is designed with a crack- and scratch-resistant shell, softside carrying handles, stylish leather accents, and wheels that effortlessly take on turns.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The show was marred only by an audio mix that dimmed Coleman’s evocative voice amid a wash of instruments — at least from this reviewer’s spot in the Fox — but the Red Clay Strays’ impact shone through nevertheless.—
Brian McCollum,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
-
The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Safety information California law states that everyone under the age of 18 years must wear a bike helmet while riding a bicycle.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Vedra and other debt law experts said a high rate of default judgments indicates a system that favors the pursuers over the pursued — and increases the chances someone will be harmed by an erroneous bill.—
Rae Ellen Bichell,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
What’s the most rewarding thing for you about being a journalist?—
Nicole Young,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
-
If things are open deep, Sayin can take shots.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In the Carmel area, the trail passes a cool play space and Midtown Plaza, where the family can play a little ping-pong or corn hole, grab a bite to eat, or just relax on the bench swings.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The Stars played their first eight seasons in Reunion Arena, located in downtown Dallas.—
Rob Rossi,
New York Times,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Every single day, it's been a pleasure coming to work and putting on the orange and blue.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The individual was discovered inside one of the main landing gear compartments while the maintenance crew was working on the aircraft, which had arrived from Europe, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said in a news release.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Investors seem to have dismissed those concerns.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
But the Democratic Party seems to prefer a selective vision of free speech, one that ignores the most glaring and visible current example of suppression.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In addition to serving in the state Legislature, Wing is the owner of Wing Media Group, which produces outdoors programming.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
30 Sep. 2025
-
As the first Black and Asian woman to serve as an NFL team president, Morgan is excited to continue the Raiders’ history of breaking the mold and setting new precedents.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
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