Synonyms of acting out

acting out

verb

present participle of act out

as in running riot

to behave badly

because his parents spent so much time with his chronically ill sister, the boy resorted to acting out in order to get attention

Synonyms & Similar Words

• running riot
• acting up
• carrying on
• disobeying
• raising Cain
• misconducting
• rebelling
• misbehaving
• cutting up
• kidding (around)
• horsing around
• clowning (around)
• fooling around
• showing off
• roughhousing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• acting
• obeying
• conducting
• bearing
• containing
• quitting
• complying
• moving
• handling
• controlling
• conforming
• checking
• collecting
• composing
• acquitting
• restraining
• inhibiting
• deporting
• curbing
• demeaning
• comporting
• constraining
• quieting
• repressing

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of acting out

Inside, under flickering lights, a group of reluctant strangers is coaxed into acting out, in a converted gymnasium, a wild tale promising redemption from agonizing tragedy. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Traditional Rocky Horror movie showings include a costumed cast acting out the events on screen, with bags of props handed out for audience participation during certain scenes. — Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Garcia lends the whole song theater-kid interpretation, essentially acting out the lyrics in pantomime, grasping out in front of her, clutching her face. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026

When the child started acting out at home, his family reportedly started asking questions of the boy and made a report to law enforcement. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The film’s star, Robin Williams, can be seen acting out a scene with costar Adam Zolotin, who played young Louis. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Abarca claimed that White was acting out an ongoing vendetta against him. — Ilana Arougheti july 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026

When a teacher, coach, counselor, pediatrician, or school psychologist sees a boy who is withdrawing, escalating, or acting out, that should prompt care. — Wes Moore, STAT, 1 July 2026

But parents could make a lesson out of going on a trip to the bank, or with very young children, Tsuei recommends pretend play, such as acting out buying toys from a store. — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 30 June 2026