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
Peter White, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Gilpin’s elder daughter enjoys watching her mom act, especially during playtime.
—Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
But act quickly—some pieces, like the marble wine chiller, have already sold out.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Joe Keery and musical act Madison Beer.
—Peter White, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Gilpin’s elder daughter enjoys watching her mom act, especially during playtime.
—Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
Mounting staffing pressures are forcing the agency to act, Bedford said Wednesday at a news conference.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
But act quickly—some pieces, like the marble wine chiller, have already sold out.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In part, the McKinley administration standardized various press protocols and routines involved in managing the press corps—holding somewhat regular briefings, for example, and carefully timing White House announcements.—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Your best bet for starting a routine that sticks?—
Julia Sullivan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In a recent Instagram post, Kardashian laughed off negative reviews of the show, which also stars Sarah Paulson, Naomi Watts and Glenn Close, has been receiving from fans.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
And the team behind the show, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at Monday’s New York premiere, teased that the audience will not be able to predict what happens.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The township is arguing that state law regarding government employee protections against lawsuits conflicts with federal court rulings.—
Laura A. Bischoff,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Scott Venable, lead pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, said the city has never been at risk of being governed by sharia or any other foreign laws.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Over the course of the three-day summit, attendees and Goldman leaders talked all things AI—from the most lucrative investments, to the tech’s impact on the environment, and its potential to innovate industries.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The game was soon over and, for all the other tremendous things Woodson did in helping Michigan to a share of the national title, that moment loomed large in his Heisman victory over Tennessee’s Peyton Manning.—
The Athletic College Football Staff,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Besides Adebayo, Miami’s only other available center was two-way contract player Vlad Goldin, who arrived from a G-League assignment but did not play.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The three titles that were won with fewer than 90 points were wrapped up with at least three games still to play, which led to an easing off in the final weeks.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The company was also working with Transport for London on a double-decker electric bus, but the agency has yet to place an order.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
-
On Friday night the Supreme Court granted the request to block full SNAP payments as the case works its way through the courts.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Soika, a surgeon, unsuccessfully tried to book a rental car to get to Utah for a weekend trip before settling on an option that seemed straight out of Hollywood.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
-
McCutcheon, who scored four goals in the regular season, seems to shift into a second gear during the playoffs, having now scored three times in four postseason games.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As well as being used for entertainment events, the Brisbane venue will serve as a new home for the city’s Australian rules football team, the Brisbane Lions, as well as two cricket teams.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The lawsuit further alleges she was served alcohol despite being underage.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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