ACT OUT Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

act out

verb

Definition of act out

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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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of act out When the child started acting out at home, his family reportedly started asking questions of the boy and made a report to law enforcement. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Perhaps the threat wasn’t quite so dire, or its parameters were not well-enough defined, and the Secret Service acted out of a superabundance of caution. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026 Some children act out when they are stressed, worried or do not understand what is being asked of them. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Artist Caroline and her daughter Lila are both haunted by what seems like an interior voice, one that encourages them to act out in ways that will draw the Cur’s attention. — Hannah Whitten, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for act out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for act out

Verb

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

Definition of misconduct

Verb

People don’t do what they’re supposed to, or someone betrays someone else for money or power or spite, or maybe a dragon just disobeys its rider and decides to murder a prince.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.

— Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of disobey

Verb

When reporters shouted questions about the bombshell conversation, the future king at the time simply chuckled, remained silent and carried on walking.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Other studies have shown that public preschool helps with readiness for Kindergarten, but this study show that the benefits carry on at least through third grade, according to FIU professor and researcher Charles Bleiker.

— Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of carry on

Verb

People are rebelling against the constant connection and dopamine distraction that smartphones can bring.

— Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
With fatter paychecks, customers are rebelling against the chains that serve up shrinkflation and replace workers with broken self-checkout machines and touchscreen kiosks.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebel

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actors

act out

actress

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“Act out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act%20out. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of act out

verb

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