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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Recent Examples of act
Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Kyaw Mya, a citizen of Burma, was convicted of lascivious acts with a child-victim less than 12 years of age.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
—Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Kyaw Mya, a citizen of Burma, was convicted of lascivious acts with a child-victim less than 12 years of age.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Verb
Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871.
—Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Lowry then waited beside the swarm of Jets, each embracing Scheifele in turn, each trying to console him at an inconsolable time.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
This, in turn, leads to mental health issues, such as low mood and negative thinking patterns.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
Golden Gate Park, which sits in the city's center and was a magnet for rock and theater performances of all kinds in the '60s, will host three shows by Dead & Company – the name given to what remains of the original band plus current guests – at the park's Polo Fields Aug. 1, 2 and 3.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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The show, which is set to premiere later this year, will see the kids face the challenges of carrying on the Chrisley name and legacy after their parents were locked up.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Michigan’s no-fault car insurance laws and a high percentage of uninsured drivers make car insurance in this state expensive.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
19 May 2025
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Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Instead of approaching them and giving them the opportunity to say mean things to you, consider trying to make friends with other girls -- girls who might like to be friends with you too.—
Mark Mondier,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2025
-
People take their time and there is this thing called personal boundaries.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Verb
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While physicians don’t have a definitive answer as to why heart failure typically causes cognitive decline, the following factors may play a role: Changes to the heart.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
Health,
16 May 2025
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On top of playing each of their divisional rivals twice per usual, there are many great out-of-division and out-of-conference games also lined up.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Verb
-
The job demanded long hours on my feet and working with my hands.—
Health,
Health,
20 May 2025
-
Truman graduated from Texas Tech six months ago and now works for the Texas Senate under Senator Brian Birdwell on the border security committee.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Verb
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In 2022, however, the financial market seemed to turn upside down.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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But the parasite’s range seems to be expanding into the mid-Atlantic, according to a new paper published last month in the Journal of Medical Entomology.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
Sail-away parties are often held when departing destinations, like a variety of personal pizzas being served while leaving Naples, Italy.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
Alexander Hamilton is first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, serving until 1795.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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