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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Mike Stunson, USA Today, 29 May 2026
An Austrian court has convicted a man who was charged last year in connection with a plot to commit an act of mass terror at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour show in Vienna in August 2024, the Associated Press reports.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026
But soldiers who spoke to AP and Breaking the Silence — the whistleblower group that has collected troops’ testimonies throughout the war — say that at times soldiers were too far away, acting too quickly and under too much pressure to tell.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Only a few performers remain from the list of nine acts announced for the Freedom 250 festival, which celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States.
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 29 May 2026
An Austrian court has convicted a man who was charged last year in connection with a plot to commit an act of mass terror at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour show in Vienna in August 2024, the Associated Press reports.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Verb
Cooper agrees, noting that your brain’s perception of safety acts like a thermostat.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 30 May 2026
But soldiers who spoke to AP and Breaking the Silence — the whistleblower group that has collected troops’ testimonies throughout the war — say that at times soldiers were too far away, acting too quickly and under too much pressure to tell.
—Sam Mednick, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Plus, check out the rest of her hair primping routine and some more on-sale options to shop during the retailer's Big Spring Sale below.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
-
In this case, the leaves will usually return to normal and the plant will recover once a good watering routine is established.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Since then, Catwoman has appeared in various movies and on TV shows, including Matt Reeves' The Batman in 2022, where Zoë Kravitz took on the part.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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The relationship between the two of them was always at the heart of the of the show.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The complaint alleges the defendants failed to manufacture, supply and serve food safe for human consumption and violated federal food safety laws and USDA performance standards governing ground beef.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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Observers link these conflicts to Abiy’s push away from Ethiopia’s longstanding system of ethnic federalism, which had allowed diverse regional states to draft their own laws and maintain local armies.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Perkins coaches his son’s YPG Perkins team, and things were getting chippy against their opponent, Swaveway Playaz.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2026
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Go out there and play defense, and then good things happen.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
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There’s even a kids play room on the ground floor with a beautiful, handmade rocking horse and a big toy kitchen.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
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In particular, James thrived while playing as a nickel back in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme the past two seasons.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
27 May 2026
Verb
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The walk-off home run came after the bullpen of the Twins (27-31) had worked four scoreless innings, taking over after a four-inning start from Taj Bradley.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
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Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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On Wednesday, after a 4-0 Hurricanes win that was somehow more lopsided than the score indicated, that lone postseason loss seemed a whole lot farther than five days in the rear-view.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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Until last year, my life seemed like that of any other girl.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The complaint alleges the defendants failed to manufacture, supply and serve food safe for human consumption and violated federal food safety laws and USDA performance standards governing ground beef.—
Andrea Flores,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
-
Goins said the turnout Saturday reflected a sense of unity and hoped the protest would serve as a path forward for change and empowering communities of color, especially.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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