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
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Al-Saadi was hit with a slew of charges including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to provide material support for acts of terrorism, and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use.
—Mark Morales, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 May 2026
If the Supreme Court hadn't acted access to mifepristone would have been significantly and indefinitely curtailed for the first time since it was first approved in 2000.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
In some ways, Denver is a model for the new-look Steelers, as a coach in his early 60s (Sean Payton) has enjoyed success in his second act, found a potential franchise quarterback (Bo Nix) and become a playoff contender.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Al-Saadi was hit with a slew of charges including conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to provide material support for acts of terrorism, and conspiracy to bomb a place of public use.
—Mark Morales, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Verb
This year, Shrinking is poised to have its strongest Emmy showing yet following seven nominations last year, including acting nods for Segel, Williams, Ford, and Urie as well as the show’s first-ever Outstanding Comedy Series nomination.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 May 2026
If the Supreme Court hadn't acted access to mifepristone would have been significantly and indefinitely curtailed for the first time since it was first approved in 2000.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Move the desk, change the routine, state the preference.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
-
These creators made that knowledge far more accessible, producing educational content on everything from building a washday routine and transitioning from relaxers to mastering styles like twist-outs.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Each game was introduced with a clip from the show that fits it perfectly, starting with the Colts' Week 1 date with the Baltimore Ravens.—
Matt Reigle OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
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Now, viewers for dramas, comedies and reality shows are harder to come by, because people now have the leeway to watch their favorites at any moment of their own choosing.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Under Louisiana law, if no candidate clears the 50% threshold the top two finishers run again in a June 27 runoff.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
17 May 2026
-
Passed in the final days of session and signed into law by Lamont earlier this week, the bill was praised as a massive victory for the state’s labor community and has been strongly embraced by unions and workers advocacy groups.—
P.R. Lockhart,
Hartford Courant,
17 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
-
They’re also made with clean lines and a straight, wide-leg fit, resulting in a crisp appearance that works for the office or even a Hamptons weekend.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
There are plenty of suite options that work well for families, baby gear like cribs and high chairs are available, and all restaurants have kids menus.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 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
-
The story follows Frederic Henry, a young American ambulance driver serving in Italy who is wounded during the war and falls in love with the British nurse Catherine Barkley.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
16 May 2026
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Shares in Autodesk, which mainly serves industries like construction and architecture, have fallen by almost 20%.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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