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
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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
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
The surname is specifically an act of rebellion and defiance to Christianity.
—
Jon Root Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
Regina Garcia Cano,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
But what happened to the investor who acted five years earlier?
—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The act of copying confirms the value of the original, with innovators continuing to set the pace and accrue value.
—
Jon Markman,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
The surname is specifically an act of rebellion and defiance to Christianity.
—
Jon Root Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
Verb
With millions affected and basic supplies running short, international rescue teams are arriving as the disaster adds stress to Venezuela’s struggling economy and the legitimacy of its acting president.
—
Regina Garcia Cano,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2026
But what happened to the investor who acted five years earlier?
—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Virgo August 23 – September 22 Friends bring ideas that test your routines.
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August 23 – September 22 Friends bring ideas that test your routines.
Noun
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Several videos filmed in Simferopol, Crimea’s second city, and posted online show empty roads and public spaces.
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The United Center shared a statement from the tour's management Thursday evening confirming the show has been postponed, along with the concert's third stop in Ohio, due to Richie's health.
Noun
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Under state law, any single gift — or multiple gifts from the same source that add up to $50 or more during the annual period — must be disclosed.
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Millions of index cards, once restricted by German privacy laws and requiring a lengthy process to obtain, are now directly searchable online in German media, as of a few months ago, after the US National Archives published the surviving membership card files online.
Noun
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But an Iran agreement that allows those barrels to come back into stockpiles, and actually refilling the inventories, are two separate things.
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Kylee explained that Aven eventually ended things again, citing the damage done to their relationship.
Verb
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For tour this time around, Pillsbury is looking forward to playing larger venues, which offer space for grander production.
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The elder Moniak, now 86, played six seasons in the Red Sox farm system from 1958-63, and like Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, was among the young outfielders who benefited from the tutelage of a special batting instructor named Ted Williams at spring training ‘61-63.
Verb
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With curved teardrop shapes, floral accents, and leaf motifs, its design works especially well for the spring and summer seasons, though its abstract, ornamental pattern can be displayed during cooler months as well.
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Bowie worked as a driver at Interfaith Medical Center.
Verb
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The show’s dramatic romance and journey of self-growth seems to fit in line with something Austen would’ve imagined for her characters.
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Placide, who has announced this will be his final international tournament, seemed determined to end his career on a high note.
Verb
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Later, Simpson served nine years in prison after being convicted on unrelated charges.
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After working in the steel mill himself, Stocklas quit and entered public life, eventually serving in the county council and as a district judge.
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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