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
Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
There were larger-than-life musical acts including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.
—Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
When a company spends that much political capital warning about existential risk, policymakers eventually act on those warnings.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Deer Tick spoke about getting their act together when the crowds started to thin after the pandemic and professionalizing, even using Slack.
—Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
There were larger-than-life musical acts including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.
—Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026
Verb
Charlotteans voiced concerns about the project, and council members acted, Watlington said.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
When a company spends that much political capital warning about existential risk, policymakers eventually act on those warnings.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Ready to build routines that feel manageable and supportive?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
Just set this quintessential Heavy-Duty Tube-Wringer on your bathroom counter and watch as your beauty routine becomes more thoughtful, letting nothing go to waste.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Special effects artists and animators These workers create the visuals for films, television shows and video games.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
As a show of their doubt, top Iranian officials have vowed to sharply retaliate if the US violates the deal.—
Lou Robinson,
CNN Money,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
For Claire Gregory, however, that expectation never fully aligned with reality, despite earning her law degree, passing two bar exams and working across various areas of the legal field.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
Like all things data center, this one comes with controversy.—
David Wade,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
The great thing about Taylor is that my girl knows how to write a song.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
-
Allen plays Roxie, a dying wife and mother who arrives in the trauma bay during the show’s second season.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Now, founder and CEO Chad Houser is getting more recognition, not just for the food, but for the special young people working there.—
Josh Taylor,
CBS News,
20 June 2026
-
Yet, the share of retirees who work has never ranged higher than 34%.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Gone seem to be the days of Big, Beautiful Bill-type legislation, at least according to some moderate Republicans.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
That doesn’t mean, though, that a 25,000-resident development will spring up on unincorporated land west of Natomas anytime soon, as the project seems likely to draw an environmental lawsuit.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Draper previously told The Times that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but remained fit to serve on the bench.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
In 2014, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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