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
Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The show is divided into two acts, one that presents the father’s side of the relationship, and the other, the son’s.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
To date, Long's only acting credits include short films, including Valley Mentality!
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The deputy attorney general also clarified that while the act allowed the department to withhold items necessary to keep secret the interests of national security or foreign policy, none were blocked on that basis.
—Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The show is divided into two acts, one that presents the father’s side of the relationship, and the other, the son’s.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026
To date, Long's only acting credits include short films, including Valley Mentality!
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Mon Lumière offers a smart alternative to complicated routines and costly in-office treatments, delivering an easy system that supports both preventive and corrective care with comfort and consistency.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
-
His brand, Wizard Wellness, launches Thursday on its website with sinus rinses, nasal sprays, nasal sticks and oral strips, plus bundles around routines with each.—
James Manso,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Paris Couture Week, which the American designer’s Monday morning show kicked off, is for fantasy.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The company confirmed to Vogue Business that Saks Global will have representation during fashion month to attend shows and place buys.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The move comes as nine local district attorneys launched a coalition this week to assist in prosecuting federal law enforcement officers who violate state laws.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
-
The documents were disclosed as mandated by a law requiring the government to open its files on the late financier and his confidant and onetime girlfriend, Maxwell.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The updates mark Google’s push toward an agentic web, where browsers do more than display pages and instead help users get things done faster.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Jan. 2026
-
These are the signature Big Think dialogues that slow things down, ditch the script, and reveal how great minds actually think.—
Daphne Koller,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The administration is playing a blame game over the initial characterization of Pretti, Axios reports.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Dak already has shot past the championship game deadline in that no other quarterback has ever begun his career with a team and played 10 seasons without reaching the NFC or AFC title game, then reached a Super Bowl with that team later in his career.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Beijing is well aware of how US pressure could make governments become more wary of working with Chinese firms or re-evaluate existing ties, analysts in its policy circles say – something that’s already happened in Panama.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Sometimes, good old-fashioned elbow grease can work even better.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Why would a shark’s metabolism stay flat during a process that seems, intuitively, expensive?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
His face seemed to flash through colors, his cheeks rouged, then went pink, then yellow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Nguyen pleaded guilty last year to a felony charge and multiple misdemeanors and is now serving a seven-year prison sentence, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Today, the Yamuna serves as the backbone of Delhi’s water infrastructure, providing roughly 40% of the capital’s supply.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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