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
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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
Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
An actual nightmare marks the transition into The Secret Agent’s explosive third act.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Mike Randall, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Coach Billy Donovan values the consistency with which the guard can act as a driving force for a Bulls offense that often stalls in the half-court.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Are not random acts of rhyming gone wrong still more pleasant than thinking about squealing war-babies, the wrecking ball that is the last week of a Florida legislative session or the AI Apocalypse which should be here (checks watch) very soon?
—Pat Beall, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
An actual nightmare marks the transition into The Secret Agent’s explosive third act.
—Michael Snyder, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
The conviction capped a yearslong process that included investigations by New York authorities and a pursuit for justice by Monica's family, who accused Baldner of acting recklessly during a routine traffic stop and subsequent deadly chase.
—Mike Randall, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026
Coach Billy Donovan values the consistency with which the guard can act as a driving force for a Bulls offense that often stalls in the half-court.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Leo July 23 – August 22 This atmosphere favors uncomplicated, consistent routines.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
For a company built around celebration — Fourth of July backyard shows, wedding sendoffs and bursts of color in the sky — the routine has become an uneasy one.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In each show, the two nitwits would set out on some caper, which would inevitably go horribly wrong, leaving them broke, or tied up, or in jail, or hanging over a cliff, or some other situation of great peril.—
John Cassidy,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
-
With style, grace and a lot of love, the Lower Merion High School figure skating duo of Justin and Suri Lue know how to put on a cutting-edge show.—
Krystle Rich,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Italy's Constitutional Court on March 12 upheld a 2025 law restricting citizenship to persons with an Italian parent or grandparent.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Collins and athletic director Todd Stewart are determined for things to go much differently next season.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Baits that contain vitamin D3 cause calcium levels to rise in the blood, which in turn causes mineralization of tissues and death, effectively turning animals into stone.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
About two weeks after the couple’s trip took its unexpected turn, their persistence appears to have paid off.—
Blane Bachelor,
CNN Money,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This shocking cowardice and sheer abandonment of any pretense of ethics or values are rendered even more shameful when considering that Noem was brought down by polls, likely more than anything else.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
-
What is beauty if not precisely the property that provokes us to abandon all pretense of analytic remove in our desperation to draw closer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
According to the Colorado General Assembly's website, the bill is designed to streamline the search-warrant process.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The appropriation, which came as part of the President’s domestic-spending bill, has kept ICE flush with cash during the shutdown.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Grammarly's parent company was hit with a class-action lawsuit on Thursday from one of the authors quoted as an expert in its tool.—
James Peckham,
PC Magazine,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Despite major changes this year to timing and logistics, SXSW will again spotlight comedy and action films that other festivals don’t show, as well as be a hotbed for discovery of new talent.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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