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
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Recent Examples of act
Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Adams’ plan — unveiled during a Midtown event hosted by the conservative Manhattan Institute — proposes the state Legislature acts to expand the involuntary commitment standards during next year’s legislative session.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The Trump administration is seeking to remove undocumented immigrants while focusing on those who have engaged in criminal acts in the United States or elsewhere.
—Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
To compensate, LeMessurier developed a structural bracing system to act like an exoskeleton.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Adams’ plan — unveiled during a Midtown event hosted by the conservative Manhattan Institute — proposes the state Legislature acts to expand the involuntary commitment standards during next year’s legislative session.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In turn, Shildt said a crucial level of trust has been established.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Since assuming power in 2019, Bukele has overseen a drastic drop in murder rates, which has in turn boosted his popularity.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
About 75 minutes into the show, the couple opened up about this unique aspect of their relationship.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
On Succession, Kendall Roy’s sleek Upper East Side triplex at 180 East 88th Street drew widespread attention, while his younger brother Roman Roy’s Chelsea townhouse added to the show’s appealing architectural variety.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Sheetz to replace Fraser bank, Roseville church in southeast Michigan expansion Historically, Michigan has some of the weakest public ethics laws in the country.—
Dave Boucher,
Freep.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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That law is among several concerns about school curriculum across the state, according to a prominent union, the Texas American Federation of Teachers.—
Zulekha Nathoo,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Kaylor, attempting the same thing, feels like watching an injured baby deer try to do TikTok dances while amid an existential crisis.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
-
But that triggered the second thing – Trump’s revulsion for math that contradicts his narrative.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Triste was mixed by Chris Coady and features contributions from drummer Josh Freese and guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen, with whom Lenchantin previously played in A Perfect Circle.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
20 Aug. 2025
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Staff members raved about Jackson’s performance, with some viewing him as a bigger version of Abe Camara, who played nickel last year for TCU.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Sheriff's Office is working with local historians at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott to identify the remains and uncover the history behind the burial, according to YCSO.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Davis Lu, 55, had worked as a senior software developer at Eaton Corp. in Beachwood, Ohio, since 2007 according to Cleveland.com.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Those who have used the store and still have Amazon Coins will see those refunded, albeit details on how and when that will be done seem scarce.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Gronowski seems likely to start, but Brown has been showing great flashes so far early in the year.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bolton, who served in President Donald Trump’s first term, has become a vocal critic of the administration’s foreign policy and called the president unfit to serve.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Word salad is never filling, but for some reason, Steichen continues to serve it when pressed on the most important position within the franchise.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.
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