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
Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
If there were a Five-Timers Club for musical acts, White would already be a member.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman took an unconventional path to acting.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Now committed to the moon, the Artemis II test flight is the opening act for NASA’s grand plans for a moon base and sustained lunar living.
—Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
If there were a Five-Timers Club for musical acts, White would already be a member.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
The lack of action by Gee, a President Obama appointee, has surprised some legal observers, especially given the swiftness with which judges in other districts have acted.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2026
Born in Louisiana in 1959, Freeman took an unconventional path to acting.
—Kennedy French, Variety, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
The rising cost of fuel is forcing some residents to change their daily routines.—
Austin Carter,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Recent personal updates might ripple through your routines, rooms, and family expectations, making all sorts of waves along the way.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It’s directed by Linus O’Brien, the son of Richard O’Brien, the British New Zealander who wrote the show (and played Riff Raff) and then went on a gender odyssey.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Its top show was Cuomo, which averaged 289,000 viewers, up 65%, and 45,000 among adults 25-54, up 114%.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Critics, however, said the new law undermines democratic principles by replacing electoral legitimacy with presidential appointment.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
-
One dichotomy that’s set up in the book is between the language of poetry and the language of law.—
Andrew Marantz,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Several teammates alluded to his ability to keep things loose in the bullpen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Your 3rd House of Debate surges as fiery Mars arrives, pushing you to say the important thing plainly — and to move on it soon.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But Lemann, to her credit, does not play this for laughs.—
Brandy Jensen,
New Yorker,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The two entered having played together in only 17 games this season, for a total of 249 minutes.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Company executives worked with banking firm Citizens Bank to oversee the sale process, which lasted four to five months but fell through.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The two friends met years ago while working for different social justice organizations.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
As of this week, Sumrall no longer seems to feel that way.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Rocchio was on second base and seemed to steal the Royals’ signs.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There are a number of other guys that are leaders on the field that could have equally served in that opportunity.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2026
-
It’s served alongside rice cooked with mushrooms and herbs, a clever mashup of Malaysian nasi ulam and Haitian djon djon.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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