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
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Lowry then waited beside the swarm of Jets, each embracing Scheifele in turn, each trying to console him at an inconsolable time.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
-
This, in turn, leads to mental health issues, such as low mood and negative thinking patterns.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
Golden Gate Park, which sits in the city's center and was a magnet for rock and theater performances of all kinds in the '60s, will host three shows by Dead & Company – the name given to what remains of the original band plus current guests – at the park's Polo Fields Aug. 1, 2 and 3.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
The recordings stem from the opening stop of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s 2025 run of shows, which kicked off with three nights in a row in the English city.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Another point of contention at the convention came from Utah Senate Bill 54, a law that has grown controversial to members of the Utah GOP.—
Annabella Rosciglione,
The Washington Examiner,
19 May 2025
-
But now, current and former officials say, there's a sense that the division is weaponizing the country's civil rights laws against populations it's supposed to be protecting.—
Ryan Lucas,
NPR,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Instead of approaching them and giving them the opportunity to say mean things to you, consider trying to make friends with other girls -- girls who might like to be friends with you too.—
Mark Mondier,
Arkansas Online,
18 May 2025
-
People take their time and there is this thing called personal boundaries.—
J.M. Banks,
Kansas City Star,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
But with most makeup products falling under the 3.4 oz limit, including foundation and concealer, Barratt rarely encounters any difficulties when carrying out her full glam routine.—
Isabelle Rodney,
CNN Money,
20 May 2025
-
The clip began with Kiser waking up and beginning her routine.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
In the source material, Dina’s pregnancy is used as an excuse to leave her behind in the theatre, pitting players as Ellie alone, who can set aside any pretenses of the journey being anything more than a revenge mission without her partner’s safety to worry about.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 May 2025
-
Republicans who fall for this scheme are abandoning any pretense of free-market principles.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
Last year legislators passed SB 292 which bans the manufacturing, selling or distributing of products containing PFAs beginning on Jan. 1, 2028, according to the bill’s analysis.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
20 May 2025
-
Carney cited Mooresville’s annual increase in the number of utility bills, from 181,138 in fiscal 2024 to 186,403 in fiscal 2025, through March 31.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
McQuarrie is so good at parsing out action sequences, dramatic scenes and character moments, and one key scene – where Ethan is quietly investigating a wrecked sub and being tossed and turned like a washing machine – is even oddly calming.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
-
These are among several actions that have positioned Algeria — which now views tourism as an imperative for sustainable development — to slowly open up to the world.—
Angela Dansby,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share