Synonyms of act up

act up

verb

1

as in to act out

to behave badly

the two-year-old was acting up in church so much that her dad had to take her outside

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to cut up

to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior

you should have seen the boys acting up when they put on their aprons

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cut up
• show off
• horse around
• fool around
• clown (around)
• revel
• monkey (around)
• carry on
• roar
• hotdog
• showboat
• skylark
• misbehave
• lark
• cavort
• romp
• frolic
• frisk
• caper
• carouse
• gambol
• roughhouse
• rollick
• disport
• maffick
• wassail

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of act up

The black flies are not the only troublesome creature acting up during the unseasonably warm weather. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026

Bruce, as the stunt shark built to menace them is nicknamed, is acting up and delaying the acting itself. — Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, the guests, who have literally just arrived five minutes ago, are already acting up. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026

Excess dust may also cause your allergies to act up. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 22 Feb. 2026