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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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Recent Examples of act
Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In a separate April 24 letter, 58 members of Congress demanded the labor board's acting general counsel, William Cowen, answer a number of questions including how DOGE officials got approval for the labor board access, what information was taken and why certain controls were disabled.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Keenan and his Tool bandmates are one of the many acts scheduled to appear at the Back to the Beginning concert, which takes place in Birmingham, England on July 5.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
Drake is always willing to pull out his acting chops when necessary.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 29 Apr. 2025
In a separate April 24 letter, 58 members of Congress demanded the labor board's acting general counsel, William Cowen, answer a number of questions including how DOGE officials got approval for the labor board access, what information was taken and why certain controls were disabled.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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The authors suggest this tolerance let Deinosuchus thrive in coastal habitats that hosted large prey, in turn growing to enormous proportions.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Transportation proposes adding a traffic signal to the intersection and dedicated turn lanes from First Avenue onto Atlanta Street in Gravette.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Guardian newspaper reports that the former Doctor Who star – who appeared in the 2005 film adaptation of Rowling’s book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – gave his opinion of Rowling in answer to questions posed by a group of neurodivergent young adults in ITV’s show The Assembly.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2025
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Interest in the case has swept the country since then, spurring an array of true crime podcasts, movies, television shows and a host of supporters for both Read and O’Keefe.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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Colorado’s vehicle traction law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to use chains or other traction devices when winter conditions make roads slick.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Of course, a visually stunning and perfectly functioning restroom has many things happening behind the scenes that aren’t always obvious at first glance.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2025
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Today, the firm manages multiple impact funds, focusing on things like affordable housing for families and investing in sustainable materials and social enterprises.—
Andi Cross,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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How Nvidia plays export whack-a-mole Culture champion.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trading Warren and some other top prospects for Alcántara could work, but what next?—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Thematically, the fractured friendship works well in a story that is so much about the joys of friendship and the pain of a camaraderie betrayed.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Later, while Williams was in prison for a different crime, a man who had shared a cell with him wrote a letter to the district attorney, saying Williams seemed very interested in the DNA testing that had been done in the case.—
Gina Barton,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Romero seems to be flirting with a potential move to Spain this summer, which might explain why Spurs tried to sign Guehi earlier this year.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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The country’s struggling economy is heavily reliant on trade, as the U.S. serves as its most important trading partner.—
Sophie Kiderlin,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
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The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow President Trump to enforce his ban on transgender troops serving openly in the military.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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