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
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
In on the act Oh, there’s a ton of audience participation in this show, both as a group and as individuals.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly can protect their health and reduce the smell.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Even if no one was hurt, the act left a lasting mark – on parents, kids and school administrators responsible for protecting them, Deputy Prosecutor Madeline Clement said.
—Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
In on the act Oh, there’s a ton of audience participation in this show, both as a group and as individuals.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Verb
The Beloved‘s Javier Bardem is a demanding film director, and Gentle Monster‘s Lea Seydoux will be in the running for acting recognition once the awards season kicks into gear.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly can protect their health and reduce the smell.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 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
-
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
-
Federation President Dan Reynolds referred to the new law when urging the district to provide a more favorable contract.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
The ordinance also banned possession of automatic weapons, overriding a newly effective state law that allowed it.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Many wanted to believe that if only we could get rid of certain leaders, things would soon return to normal.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
-
That’s probably impossible based on the rules and things like that.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
After Tuesday’s game at Miami, the Braves have two more divisional games with the Marlins yet to play, followed by a home series against a hot-hitting Washington Nationals team (also within the division) this weekend.—
Ken Sugiura,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
-
Charles Melton plays an American GI named Private K who’s trying to locate his daughter and keeps getting into bloody altercations.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
For massages, ask for Sylvia, whose extraordinary hands somehow work deep into the muscles, relaxing them without inflicting torture en route.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 May 2026
-
But two groups work tirelessly to tell Free Frank’s story — his descendants, spread widely across the country, and a small group of local residents who form the New Philadelphia Association.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
The casual-natured yet sharp staff seem genuinely happy to be working in frigid, off-grid Antarctica, and someone’s always around to fulfill a request, answer questions or engage in organic chit-chat in the main hub.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
-
That seems to be the bigger issue here; the underlying iceberg that has snagged your confidence.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
The incident triggered an emergency response, seeing the Shenzhou 20 crew return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft for safety reasons, and the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 launched to serve as a lifeboat and ride home for the Shenzhou 21 crew.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
24 May 2026
-
Nearby Shingle Creek overflowed beyond its banks, while water flowing from neighborhoods north of State Road 50 and State Road 408 poured into the same basin serving Orlo Vista.—
Greg Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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