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
as in to be (to)
to behave toward in a stated way
I would never act toward my boss that way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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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
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The new film is based on the musical by Terrence McNally, John Kander and Frank Ebb, which in turn was inspired by the 1976 novel by Manuel Puig.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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And, in turn, the more usage and the increase in users using the AI is a handy boon to the business and revenue of the AI maker.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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About 75 minutes into the show, the couple opened up about this unique aspect of their relationship.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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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
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But a sprawling expanse of abusive online behavior doesn’t technically violate federal laws or individual company policies.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Aug. 2025
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Washington has looked to introduce new laws around crypto and has even launched a bitcoin strategic reserve.—
Arjun Kharpal,
CNBC,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Finding your community via identity is one thing, but some clubs go even more niche and have combined two different cultures—the Jewish one and the culture of cannabis.—
Sophie Liza Cannon,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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One thing's clear: the R1 could mark a turning point in the push to bring humanoid robots into everyday life.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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While maintaining a strict cleansing and conditioning regimen is recommended, a nourishing scalp scrub seamlessly elevates your wash day routine with a deep clean.—
Tatayana Yomary,
Essence,
12 Aug. 2025
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This is one reason why people use coconut oil as part of their skin and oral care routines. 5.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The two men lured the woman under the pretense of a meeting then beat her to death in the desert because of her gender identity, prosecutors said.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
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Hoffa's son said the purpose of the meetings was just a pretense to get Hoffa alone to murder him.—
Eric Shawn,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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However, California residents are often given the option to buy solar systems outright and include the cost of solar in their mortgages or lease the panels from solar providers and pay a monthly fee which is often less than the typical electrical bill for a non-solar home.—
Jamie Gold,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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The bill also includes several changes to federal student loan and grant programs that Bradley said raise concerns about UofL’s affordability.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The campaign underscores the need for action, Roth says.—
Gidget Fuentes,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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According to Roots, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued a non-final office action in May, citing likelihood of confusion with Roots’ trademarks as the reason.—
Meghan Hall,
Sourcing Journal,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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