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
Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
These act as a sieve for water molecules.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout much of his acting career, Fox has found ways to work around his symptoms.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Manipulation, threats, acts of physical and psychological violence (to oneself and others), as well as actual body snatching, were all part of Cipher’s brand while Linklater embodied Gen V’s season two big bad.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
These act as a sieve for water molecules.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
Wasser’s acting credits include the series Poker Face, Girls and Search Party.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Throughout much of his acting career, Fox has found ways to work around his symptoms.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Throughout this time, Barcelona old boys Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi have been doing regular turns for Inter Miami just up the coast in Fort Lauderdale.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
This, in turn, centers the idea of due process, because only through it can deliberative decisions about identity, guilt, and punishment be properly engaged.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In addition to her cooking shows and onscreen projects, Gomez is also the founder of Rare Beauty and the Rare Impact Fund.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
19 Oct. 2025
-
Starring Hard Truths breakout Tuwaine Barrett, the film follows a group of old friends who reunite to celebrate one of their own opening a gallery show in Copenhagen.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
18 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to Arkansas law, all drain plugs must be removed from your boat at the boat ramp upon the conclusion of your outing and during transport.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Larson argued the amendment would limit the state's ability to enact more restrictive gun laws in the future.—
Hope Karnopp,
jsonline.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
And while handing Ole Miss its first loss of the year was reason to celebrate, things got pretty somber rather quickly for the Bulldogs after learning the injury status of one of their top playmakers.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Oct. 2025
-
In addition, a stranger will come to town that will shake things up for Sharon and recontextualize both her past and her present.—
Alamin Yohannes,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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During his free agency ahead of the 2024 season, Ohtani visited Toronto as one of his finalists but ultimately chose to stay in Southern California and play for the Dodgers.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Despite playing before halftime, Scheierman and Walsh were not put back on the court again until the final seconds.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The organization has a partnership with the nonprofit Allbritton Journalism Institute, which sponsors a multi-year class of 20 fellows who work closely with professional journalists in the newsroom.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
20 Oct. 2025
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Now working for United Airlines as an avionics technician at Newark Liberty International Airport, repairing plane engines and electrical systems, the 25-year-old has already doubled her investment in the program and makes over six-figures.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
That’s what Rebecca feels—all alone in a world that seems to care less.—
Joni Eareckson Tada,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
-
As Republicans reject Democratic demands for health care funds, there’s no sign of a break in the impasse, but Trump seems to be continuing on with business as usual, including his foreign trip.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Anglers who want to keep their catch fresh on a long drive home are better served to cover fish in a dry livewell with ice.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
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The tribute also noted that Funkhouser served in Iraq as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard.—
David Chiu,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.
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