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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In turn, Shildt said a crucial level of trust has been established.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
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Since assuming power in 2019, Bukele has overseen a drastic drop in murder rates, which has in turn boosted his popularity.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Peacock has been the home of the show since season 4.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are returning as judges for the singing competition show's next season, ABC confirmed on Monday, Aug. 25.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Sheetz to replace Fraser bank, Roseville church in southeast Michigan expansion Historically, Michigan has some of the weakest public ethics laws in the country.—
Dave Boucher,
Freep.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
After apartheid, new laws were drafted that aimed to make the industry more accessible to Black South Africans.—
Tommy Trenchard,
NPR,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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But that triggered the second thing – Trump’s revulsion for math that contradicts his narrative.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Kaylor, attempting the same thing, feels like watching an injured baby deer try to do TikTok dances while amid an existential crisis.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
During these 10-20-minute hairstyling routines, researchers continuously measured air quality with scanning mobility particle sizers (SMPS) and condensation particle counters (CPC), which can detect and count particles as tiny as just a few nanometers in size.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Aug. 2025
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As for upkeep, black pools tend to highlight things like dust, sunscreen residue, and waterline marks more easily, so staying on top of cleaning and pH levels has become part of their routine.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The gigawatts of electricity to power this expanding technology will mean more nuclear and fossil fuel development and will end the pretense of net-zero carbon electricity.—
Peter Murphy,
Hartford Courant,
18 Aug. 2025
-
The summit is being held under the pretense of discussing Putin’s three-year war in Ukraine, but the Russian has indicated his preference for the conversation to also touch on economic issues and a nuclear arms treaty.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Dozens of state Democratic lawmakers staged a two-week walk out, fleeing Texas to temporarily delay the bill’s passage.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
25 Aug. 2025
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Republicans in charge of the Legislature didn't give the bills hearings.—
Laura Schulte,
jsonline.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
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 29 Aug. 2025.
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