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
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
Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Her performance as Laura will be a tough act for the new generation to follow.
—Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
When a company spends that much political capital warning about existential risk, policymakers eventually act on those warnings.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Some of the acts playing this year include The Strokes, Skrillex, Alabama Shakes and Modest Mouse, among dozens of others.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026
Her performance as Laura will be a tough act for the new generation to follow.
—Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026
Verb
Charlotteans voiced concerns about the project, and council members acted, Watlington said.
—Nicholas Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
When a company spends that much political capital warning about existential risk, policymakers eventually act on those warnings.
—Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
This device can also learn your daily routines and set specific heating and cooling schedules to reduce overall waste, which can often save homeowners between $100 to $200 annually.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2026
-
The unconscious Moon in your 4th House of Home conjoins aching Chiron there, highlighting family patterns and house routines that need a kinder, more sustainable approach.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The events include raffles, giveaways and a halftime show.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
-
Be sure to check out Bee reporter Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado’s newcomer’s guide to Sacramento’s LGBTQ bars, churches, drag shows and more.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can carry penalties that include fines, probation, community service and a driver's license suspension, though any potential penalties in this case would depend on the outcome of court proceedings.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
For Claire Gregory, however, that expectation never fully aligned with reality, despite earning her law degree, passing two bar exams and working across various areas of the legal field.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The other thing that was really interesting is this weeping sickness that Sugi described in the beginning.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
That’s when things went south on the Dodgers.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Contrary to some online sentiment, Martinez still fervently believes Portugal are closer to starting a goal up than a man down when playing Ronaldo.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Hasley hailed from Pittsburgh and played university football before venturing to Hollywood to pursue his dreams as a writer.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
How would the population cap work?—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
13 June 2026
-
In the 1970s, what was then West Germany co-produced the Tornado bomber with the UK and Italy; then in the 1990s Germany worked with the UK, Italy and Spain to produce the dog-fighting Eurofighter jet.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
Verb
-
Even when the comeback seemed for naught when Stephon Castle was fouled after the Knicks had taken the lead and made two free throws to put San Antonio back ahead with 30 seconds left, the Knicks had one more rally in them.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The Spurs’ lead is 81-59 right now, but if New York can get this one under 20, all of a sudden a comeback doesn’t seem as far-fetched.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Draper previously told The Times that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but remained fit to serve on the bench.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
In 2014, Smith served a nine-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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