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
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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
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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
Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 8 May 2026
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Beyond acting and directing, McKidd is also focused on expanding his production company, Ferryman Films, which recently signed a deal with STV Studios.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Under the act, changes were made to work requirements, who qualifies and what food can be purchased through the program.
—Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 8 May 2026
Verb
This enables the bombers to act like airborne missile launchers and is much safer and cheaper, comparatively.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Beyond acting and directing, McKidd is also focused on expanding his production company, Ferryman Films, which recently signed a deal with STV Studios.
—Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Hobby-maxxing reflects a broader push toward analog living, creative self-expression and routines that support mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 May 2026
-
Why 2026 Is the Year of Hobby-Maxxing The trend reflects a broader cultural push toward analog living, creative self-expression and routines that support mental health.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Earlier this month, the Kremlin announced that this year’s Victory Day parade, held every May 9th in Red Square to commemorate the Soviet victory in the Second World War, which is typically a show of Russian might, would be a modest, small-scale affair.—
Joshua Yaffa,
New Yorker,
8 May 2026
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Related Stories Original stars of the show were in short supply, with several key cast members having passed on — including Paul Reubens, who died three years ago, and Phil Hartman and Lynne Marie Stewart, who died in 1998 and 2025, respectively.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
For example, a West Virginia law passed in early 2025 gives teachers more power to exclude disruptive students from their classrooms.—
Stacker,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
Rebecca Miller, the executive director of DC Preservation League, has spent 23 years at the organization, which sued to stop the golf course takeover and joined a coalition attempting to force the Kennedy Center to comply with preservation laws.—
Steven Sloan,
Fortune,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Mind-blowing things that would never happen in the 'Survivor' of old are happening on Season 50.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
14 May 2026
-
This was a customary thing that would happen in royal families.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Williamsburg would play a prominent role in the American Revolution as the seat of Virginia's government until 1780 (when the capital was changed to Richmond).—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
-
Parting ways with Morey was ultimately not an easy decision for the 76ers, but Philadelphia’s inability to take the next step in a constantly changing East played a significant role in the organization’s direction.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The soon-to-be 25-year-old outfielder, who served as the Yankees’ DH on Friday, did reach base in his second at-bat, working a seven-pitch, full-count walk, one of two permitted by Misiorowski.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
9 May 2026
-
Do not overcorrect what already works.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Trump’s meetings with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, began at the Great Hall of the People moments after a welcome ceremony that seemed to impress the president, featuring a Chinese military honor guard and a greeting from excited schoolchildren.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
Its servers are generally older women who, frankly, all seem to be looking forward to the end of their shifts.—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
On the other side of the field, former Angel City Becki Tweed, who joined San Diego after the 2024 season, served as the interim coach for the Wave with coach Jonas Eidevall serving a one-game suspension.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
10 May 2026
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Miller has coached at Mitty since 1986 and served as head coach since 1988, in addition to teaching AP World History.—
Glenn Reeves,
Mercury News,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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