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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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of act
Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Those who violate the act risk being removed from federal service.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Deadline sat down with Crook and Isles to talk about their predictions for Small Prophets, the state of British comedy drama and whether Crook will return to film acting.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Police arrested three people Thursday on suspicion of the preparation or commission of acts of terrorism.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Those who violate the act risk being removed from federal service.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Locals believe agents are adding Mexican flags to cars to act as a decoy.
—Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Deadline sat down with Crook and Isles to talk about their predictions for Small Prophets, the state of British comedy drama and whether Crook will return to film acting.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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This, in turn, helps the business spot potential problems early.—
Jessica Coacci,
Fortune,
9 Oct. 2025
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The apartment building itself is slightly newer, dating to the turn of the 20th century.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The show was marred only by an audio mix that dimmed Coleman’s evocative voice amid a wash of instruments — at least from this reviewer’s spot in the Fox — but the Red Clay Strays’ impact shone through nevertheless.—
Brian McCollum,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
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The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The bill lists several topics teachers could discuss, including the religious background of the signers of the Declaration of Independence (which included Protestants and Deists), President George Washington's farewell address and the biblical Ten Commandments' influence on American law.—
Jessie Balmert,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
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By law, half of the 20,000 available scholarships are required to go to families with no income cap, meaning even those making $1 million or more could qualify.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What’s the most rewarding thing for you about being a journalist?—
Nicole Young,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
-
If things are open deep, Sayin can take shots.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Dog day care provides a safe environment that helps establish a consistent routine.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Clinicians should build integration routines, debriefs, journaling and check-ins into their workflows so that transformation is sustainable.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Under the pretense of a back-to-school rules review, the sophomore through senior classes at Ruskin were treated to a stirring drumline performance before a shocked Sixta took the the stage.—
Ilana Arougheti
Updated October 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
In the end, no one was pretending, unless pretense paid the bills.—
Lavender Au,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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While voting on the bill is unlikely, the provision banning software tools like virtual private networks, or VPNs, has caused concern over potential government overreach in tech spaces.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
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Senate Democrats, who are demanding a permanent extension of federal subsidies to help people afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, have voted down the funding bill four times.—
Terry Moseley,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The committee’s action is not final until its meeting concludes Wednesday, according an NCAA release.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The department’s actions and policies reflect a disdain for public schools and a desire to dismantle that system in favor of a range of other options — private, Christian and virtual schools or homeschooling.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.
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