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
Arman Khan,
Pitchfork,
19 June 2026
There were larger-than-life musical acts including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.
—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
These tides act like a brake, gradually draining orbital energy and pulling planets closer to the star.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Deer Tick spoke about getting their act together when the crowds started to thin after the pandemic and professionalizing, even using Slack.
—
Arman Khan,
Pitchfork,
19 June 2026
There were larger-than-life musical acts including Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend.
—
Josh Feldman,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
Verb
This includes writing, directing, and guest-acting awards.
—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
20 June 2026
These tides act like a brake, gradually draining orbital energy and pulling planets closer to the star.
—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
20 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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The groups challenging the restriction said the state law prevents social service organizations from helping voters with disabilities or those who are not proficient in English, a conflict with the Voting Rights Act.
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Anthropic calls for more stringent regulation and supports efforts by states such as New York and California that have passed more aggressive AI laws.
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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Now, founder and CEO Chad Houser is getting more recognition, not just for the food, but for the special young people working there.
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Yet, the share of retirees who work has never ranged higher than 34%.
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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But because Pennsylvania now requires absentee ballots to be received by Election Day, the date requirement no longer serves its intended purpose, Democrats argue.
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In late July, when most delegates were out of town for a 10-day break, Wilson stayed in Philadelphia to serve on a five-man committee tasked with drafting the Constitution.
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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