Synonyms of act out

act out

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• misconduct
• disobey
• carry on
• run riot
• act up
• rebel
• raise Cain
• misbehave
• cut up
• horse around
• show off
• kid (around)
• fool around
• clown (around)
• roughhouse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• act
• obey
• conduct
• bear
• quit
• comply
• conform
• move
• control
• contain
• handle
• check
• collect
• acquit
• restrain
• comport
• inhibit
• compose
• curb
• deport
• demean
• constrain
• quiet
• repress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of act out

Prosecutors claimed Davis acted out of revenge for Shakur and his crew previously beating on Orlando Anderson, Davis’ nephew. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Not that many people are in for it – there are keyboard warriors who love to act out online, but to actually show up is a totally different thing. — Justin Levitt, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2026

Men brought in from outside are coached to act out romances with her again and again, performing love, regret and guilt while their tears are gathered. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

If Graham fails in her bid, she can be forgiven for acting out of loyalty and love for her brother. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026