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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Adams’ plan — unveiled during a Midtown event hosted by the conservative Manhattan Institute — proposes the state Legislature acts to expand the involuntary commitment standards during next year’s legislative session.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The Trump administration is seeking to remove undocumented immigrants while focusing on those who have engaged in criminal acts in the United States or elsewhere.
—Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
To compensate, LeMessurier developed a structural bracing system to act like an exoskeleton.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Adams’ plan — unveiled during a Midtown event hosted by the conservative Manhattan Institute — proposes the state Legislature acts to expand the involuntary commitment standards during next year’s legislative session.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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The new film is based on the musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander and Frank Ebb, which in turn was inspired by the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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And, in turn, the more usage and the increase in users using the AI is a handy boon to the business and revenue of the AI maker.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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About 75 minutes into the show, the couple opened up about this unique aspect of their relationship.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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On Succession, Kendall Roy’s sleek Upper East Side triplex at 180 East 88th Street drew widespread attention, while his younger brother Roman Roy’s Chelsea townhouse added to the show’s appealing architectural variety.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But a sprawling expanse of abusive online behavior doesn’t technically violate federal laws or individual company policies.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
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Restrictions should include prohibiting sharing information about residents, removing federal agents from local police facilities, and rescinding or narrowing authorizations to enforce local law.—
Spencer Reynolds,
Time,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Finding your community via identity is one thing, but some clubs go even more niche and have combined two different cultures—the Jewish one and the culture of cannabis.—
Sophie Liza Cannon,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
One thing's clear: the R1 could mark a turning point in the push to bring humanoid robots into everyday life.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In their new action-comedy movie The Pickup, Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson play armored truck drivers who are reluctantly pulled into a casino heist when a burglar (Keke Palmer) hijacks their vehicle.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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For the 2006 film, Anika Noni Rose played Lorrell, Beyoncé played Deena, and Hudson played Effie.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Life of a crew member Crews of about 20 people and a captain live and work on the ships.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
9 Aug. 2025
-
Alt spent 15 minutes after practice working on pass-protection sets with Trey Pipkins, who will move into the starting lineup.—
Daniel Popper,
New York Times,
9 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Those who have used the store and still have Amazon Coins will see those refunded, albeit details on how and when that will be done seem scarce.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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Gronowski seems likely to start, but Brown has been showing great flashes so far early in the year.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The gaming landscape serves as a dynamic social ecosystem where players engage through voice, text and even gestures within immersive virtual environments.—
Anees Ali Khan,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
As representatives of the Foundation board, Howell Taylor, Kilmurry, and Taylor-Coleman will also serve on the Academy Museum’s board of trustees for one-year terms.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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