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
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
-
Morning routines want a simple, practical tweak.—
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
-
The model is currently studying law, history and society at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.—
Rachel DeSantis,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Barrett and Kavanaugh seized on arguments made by the challengers that the president could order a complete trade embargo but not impose tariffs of even 1 percent under the emergency law.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
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
-
But questions remain about whether will decide to play elsewhere or close the chapter on his storied career.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
-
Allen plays Roxie, a dying wife and mother who arrives in the trauma bay during the show’s second season.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Over the course of a 25-year career in entertainment, Foley also worked as a visual effects artist, sound mixer, camera operator, producer, and showrunner, on programs for CBS, NBC, the CW, Animal Planet, A&E, Discovery, YouTube, and Amazon.—
Oliver Gettell,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Spot Drafts and Seal Leaks The heating system won’t have to work as hard if these basic winter prep steps are taken.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The Knicks had their 13-game winning streak end in Game 3 and seemed headed for a second straight defeat throughout the first half, when Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs opened the biggest halftime lead by a visiting team in the Finals.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
And then there’s the online bickering as Americans and Europeans on social media can’t seem to stop going after each other about everything from the weather to the quality of each other’s stadiums.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Crockett worked as an attorney and served in the Texas House before heading to Washington.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Kay is serving a 22-year federal prison sentence, and the Skaggs family has sued the Angels.—
Sam Blum,
New York Times,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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