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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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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
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Recent Examples of act
Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
When deciding what policies to continue, employers face a tricky balancing act between the White House’s crusade against DEI, the anti-discrimination protections already in case law, and demands from shareholders, customers and employees.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871.
—Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In turn, creators receive ongoing support and unique engagement opportunities, forming lasting, genuine connections.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
In turn, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the newspaper seeking $40 million in damages.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The case out of Dedham, Massachusetts has turned into a years-long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies, and television shows.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
That decision does set up a show that could go on and on.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
New laws in five states Others have followed Trump and Kennedy's lead.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Isaac has done a terrible thing to this person, and that is important to see.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Working on the show is different from a lot of other things, especially in TV.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
5 May 2025
Noun
-
Here are some tips for incorporating creatine into your daily routine: Take it consistently, even on rest days, to get the most out of creatine benefits.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
8 May 2025
-
Add these seven nightly cleaning tasks to your daily routine.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Although algorithmic favoritism had long been suspected across platforms, Musk’s unapologetic approach dispensed with the pretense of neutrality that tech companies had carefully maintained.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
According to the nonpartisan group Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump's agenda items and the GOP's priorities in the bill are estimated to cost more than $11 trillion over the next ten years, which Republicans are working to offset by cutting spending in other areas.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
California tried in 2019 to propose a bill that would have required clergy to report abuse without that exemption, but the church fought its passage and the legislature eventually put it on hold.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The Trump administration has increased enforcement actions targeting violent MS-13 or Tren de Aragua gang members who have entered the country illegally.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
3 May 2025
-
Two days later, activists organized a union action at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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