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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
—Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Verb
Conservatives and libertarians rightly endorse robust private charitable activity so that private citizens, acting freely and without government direction, can ameliorate social problems through voluntary action.
—Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Colombia) Set during Colombia’s 1992 energy crisis, following Ester and Leo, a couple whose road trip takes a tragic turn when Ester vanishes without explanation.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
15 July 2025
-
But during their next meeting, the agenda took a sharp turn when the CEO announced a restructuring of the leadership team.—
Melody Wilding,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
Their packed schedule includes upcoming performances at Cowboys Music Festival in Calgary (July 8), Minnesota Yacht Club festival in St. Paul (July 19), Summer Sonic in Japan (Aug. 16-17), and three shows in Brazil later that month.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
8 July 2025
-
More than a decade after its premiere, the show has experienced a major resurgence, especially among members of Gen Z (like myself).—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
15 July 2025
-
Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.—
Juwayriah Wright,
Time,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Willits played baseball at Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
Rookie Christian Moore has only played in 18 games, but has shown some flashes of brilliance, including a game-tying and then a game-winning home run against the Red Sox late last month.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Firms aspire to generate new possibilities of working, operating, interacting, playing, and living for its customers.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
These low-growing, mounding plants work well as ground covers, edging plants, or in containers.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
But compared to the heights of the Ezell raids, these numbers seem small by comparison.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
The sky turned hazy, health officials urged residents to stay inside, and what once seemed like gradual progress toward cleaner air suddenly felt alarmingly fragile.—
Youssef Rafik,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe serves Seabreeze chocolates for turndown service.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
Malik served as a communications, outreach, policy, and constituent services intern at Mamdani's state Assembly office during the summer of 2024.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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