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
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Recent Examples of act
Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Through the act, the Kansas Forest Service received $300,000 to put toward beautification and planting efforts in Wyandotte County, said Blaine Stroble, a community forester with the state.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Afterward, the 40-year-old stepped away from acting to pursue a career in racing.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
On Thursday, about 40 of the boy’s relatives and friends gathered at a balloon release near the scene of the shooting, struggling to make sense of the violent act.
—Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Through the act, the Kansas Forest Service received $300,000 to put toward beautification and planting efforts in Wyandotte County, said Blaine Stroble, a community forester with the state.
—Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
According to the verdict, the jury found that Smith acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others and that his reckless driving was the cause of the crash and the injuries that killed Dalessio.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
Afterward, the 40-year-old stepped away from acting to pursue a career in racing.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Eventually, people could not resist returning to their lives, to routines more comfortable than standing in the streets with the sun glaring in your eyes, squinting up to check the position of snipers on a roof, or working with cramping fingers sewing your tenth mask of the night.—
Hanif Abdurraqib,
New Yorker,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Anti-war activists and those who oppose Pahlavi describe a climate of fear that has led some to notify police and change their routines.—
Adam Geller,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Young's family has also filed a wrongful death suit against Hopper, court records reviewed by PEOPLE show.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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Cancellations of subsequent shows followed.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The store is owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community on their tribal land and licensed under their cannabis ordinance, which sets rules and regulations consistent with Minnesota laws, according the tribe.—
Frankie McLister,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But Arizona law remains unchanged.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Putting aside the issue of Ukraine and the hypocrisy there, is this posture an ideological thing or about self-interest?—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
23 Apr. 2026
-
So that was the same thing with Maura.—
Emily Longeretta,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The latter argument in this play is made by a local realtor, Elliot Emerson, played by Richard Thomas in a self-aware bit of casting within director Kenny Leon’s Broadway production by Manhattan Theatre Club.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
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The latter argument in this play is made by a local realtor, Elliot Emerson, played by Richard Thomas in a self-aware bit of casting within Kenny Leon’s Broadway production at Manhattan Theatre Club.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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These Warby Parker Franny Eyeglasses are lightweight and comfortable enough for extended wear, with a classic shape that works for both travel days and everyday use.—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
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The couple immigrated from Thailand long ago and worked hard to save that money over three decades.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two seem poles apart philosophically — when Cherki assisted Foden with a rabona earlier in the season, Guardiola urged him to learn from Lionel Messi’s ‘simplicity’.—
Sam Lee,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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To the uninitiated, the distinction may seem insignificant.—
Tim Brinkhof,
JSTOR Daily,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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When ready to serve, taste asparagus salad and season with more salt and pepper if needed.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Apr. 2026
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The group says the centralized location near the bus stop will help the free market better serve residents in the surrounding cities.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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