as in to misconduct
to behave badly
because his parents spent so much time with his chronically ill sister, the boy resorted to acting out in order to get attention
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Recent Examples of act out
Our workshop acted out parts of Shange’s text on the first day of a spring semester class in 2010.
—
Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
At Denver Botanic Gardens, youth educators encourage preschoolers to act out the life cycle of various plants, for example.
—Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Just the play on Black women being able to act out their rage in a very unhinged manner, but also a very appropriate manner for their psyche.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
This natural state of paralysis prevents the body from physically acting out dreams, which could otherwise lead to injury, Drerup explained.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act out
Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
At Denver Botanic Gardens, youth educators encourage preschoolers to act out the life cycle of various plants, for example.
—Jamie Siebrase, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
Just the play on Black women being able to act out their rage in a very unhinged manner, but also a very appropriate manner for their psyche.
—Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 19 May 2026
This natural state of paralysis prevents the body from physically acting out dreams, which could otherwise lead to injury, Drerup explained.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for act out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act out
Verb
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In addition, referees were instructed to apply the rules regarding fouls and misconducts more strictly – a move meant to protect players and their inventiveness.—
Cesar R. Torres,
The Conversation,
26 May 2026
Verb
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In 2024, the agency claimed that X security staff sometimes had to pointedly disobey Musk in order to remain in compliance.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
4 June 2026
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Jakubowski faces charges of second-degree reckless endangerment, risk of injury to a minor, reckless driving, interfering with an officer, improper use of maker plates, possession of drug paraphernalia, disobeying the signal of an officer and failure to maintain the proper lane.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Four of the five Timberwolves-Spurs games were carried on Disney’s biggest cable outlet, ESPN, while the remaining outing aired on ABC.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 June 2026
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But while the Ritz carried on in the same splendid fashion as always, the Crillon blasted off in search of something new.—
Matt Ortile,
Condé Nast Traveler,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Baye continued acting up until 2023.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
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There is no defeat quite like sitting down for a gaming session after a 10-hour workday, hoping to get your woes out by winning some battles, but your ancient monitor decides to act up.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The November midterm elections and the 2028 presidential election could present opportunities for MAHA to boost lawmakers who rebel against the establishment.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
6 June 2026
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Although his younger son tends to rebel against Broaster’s vintage picks, opting for whatever Spider-Man shoes happen to be in his eyeline, his older son has leaned in, letting his dad advise him on what vintage pieces could work and what would be the most stylish.—
Marah Eakin,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act%20out. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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