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
Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 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
Keenan and his Tool bandmates are one of the many acts scheduled to appear at the Back to the Beginning concert, which takes place in Birmingham, England on July 5.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 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
-
Interest in the case has swept the country since then, spurring an array of true crime podcasts, movies, television shows and a host of supporters for both Read and O’Keefe.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Back in 2020, Wallen was disinvited from SNL for breaking the show's COVID-19 quarantine protocols the same year he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Her truth is about lying to become PTA president and that kind of thing.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
5 May 2025
-
Working on the show is different from a lot of other things, especially in TV.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
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
-
Photo: Michael Roberts/Maconochie Photography There’s a lot to play for, this coming Monday, in conceptualizing a look that celebrates the message.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
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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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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