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
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Recent Examples of act
Mike Stunson, USA Today, 29 May 2026
An Austrian court has convicted a man who was charged last year in connection with a plot to commit an act of mass terror at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour show in Vienna in August 2024, the Associated Press reports.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly can protect their health and reduce the smell.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Only a few performers remain from the list of nine acts announced for the Freedom 250 festival, which celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States.
—Mike Stunson, USA Today, 29 May 2026
An Austrian court has convicted a man who was charged last year in connection with a plot to commit an act of mass terror at a Taylor Swift Eras Tour show in Vienna in August 2024, the Associated Press reports.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 29 May 2026
Verb
The Beloved‘s Javier Bardem is a demanding film director, and Gentle Monster‘s Lea Seydoux will be in the running for acting recognition once the awards season kicks into gear.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
If your pet is sprayed by a skunk, acting quickly can protect their health and reduce the smell.
—Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Plus, check out the rest of her hair primping routine and some more on-sale options to shop during the retailer's Big Spring Sale below.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
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In this case, the leaves will usually return to normal and the plant will recover once a good watering routine is established.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Since then, Catwoman has appeared in various movies and on TV shows, including Matt Reeves' The Batman in 2022, where Zoë Kravitz took on the part.—
Kelsie Gibson,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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The relationship between the two of them was always at the heart of the of the show.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Federation President Dan Reynolds referred to the new law when urging the district to provide a more favorable contract.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
24 May 2026
-
The ordinance also banned possession of automatic weapons, overriding a newly effective state law that allowed it.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2026
Noun
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Perkins coaches his son’s YPG Perkins team, and things were getting chippy against their opponent, Swaveway Playaz.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
28 May 2026
-
Go out there and play defense, and then good things happen.—
Liana Handler,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
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There’s even a kids play room on the ground floor with a beautiful, handmade rocking horse and a big toy kitchen.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
27 May 2026
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In particular, James thrived while playing as a nickel back in defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s scheme the past two seasons.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
27 May 2026
Verb
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The walk-off home run came after the bullpen of the Twins (27-31) had worked four scoreless innings, taking over after a four-inning start from Taj Bradley.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
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Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
Verb
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On Wednesday, after a 4-0 Hurricanes win that was somehow more lopsided than the score indicated, that lone postseason loss seemed a whole lot farther than five days in the rear-view.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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Until last year, my life seemed like that of any other girl.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
Verb
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The incident triggered an emergency response, seeing the Shenzhou 20 crew return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft for safety reasons, and the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 launched to serve as a lifeboat and ride home for the Shenzhou 21 crew.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
24 May 2026
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Nearby Shingle Creek overflowed beyond its banks, while water flowing from neighborhoods north of State Road 50 and State Road 408 poured into the same basin serving Orlo Vista.—
Greg Bennett,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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