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
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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
—Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Verb
Conservatives and libertarians rightly endorse robust private charitable activity so that private citizens, acting freely and without government direction, can ameliorate social problems through voluntary action.
—Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
That, in turn, will trigger a future automatic benefit cut of 24% to all recipients, the centrist think tank projects.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
This in turn can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Noun
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More than a decade after its premiere, the show has experienced a major resurgence, especially among members of Gen Z (like myself).—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
8 July 2025
-
That’s certainly rare — especially when the show has been this successful.—
Patrick Brzeski,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Students were required to undertake certain extracurricular activities (Prevost was in the choir with Franks—both sing tenor—and played tennis) and to keep up their academic performance, but mostly the school’s focus was how to live in community.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
1 July 2025
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Pitcher of the Year: Taylor McKean, Aledo Aledo senior Taylor McKean, a Tarleton Softball pledge, was one of the best pitchers in Dallas-Fort Worth and played a pivotal role in another strong season for the Bearcats.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The faculty is brimming with principal players from leading orchestras from across the U.S. Yoyo and Jun have been looking forward to working with all the teachers, especially the experts on their instruments.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 July 2025
-
Why not bring that fresh-start-to-the-day feeling to work by spritzing on the eau de parfum before reporting to duty?—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Clarkson is a good start, but another piece or two seems likely to be added.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
AIs forming and operating C-corps or LLCs seems plausible.—
Robert C. Wolcott,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
De La Nonna's Big Bear outpost serves much of the same fare that its DTLA location does, with its toothsome focaccia-style pizzas on offer.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
-
His garage served as both a workplace and a hideout when needed.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
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