1
2
as in shows
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 laws
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 things
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 plays
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
as in seems
to give the impression of being
always acting helpless, just to get attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in functions
to have a certain purpose
the tail feathers of woodpeckers act as props while the birds excavate tree trunks for insects
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in pretends
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 mocks
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of acts
Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
The show, which has never shied from controversy, will feature performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, and rising alt-pop acts Alex Warren and Sombr.
—USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
One of Cook’s first acts was to bring Lockwood on staff full time, too.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
And in sport, where the thinnest of margins always matter, recognizing the invisible might be one of your most visible acts of leadership.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The return to power of the Taliban has included brutal acts of violence against the Hazara throughout Afghanistan and a return to terror.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Pepper points out that pigs on factory farms commit acts of violence that would otherwise be rare in their communities.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025
The three acts with the most votes, as well as Mel B's Golden Buzzer choice, rapper Mama Duke, will be moving forward.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
From gems on her private acts of humility to commentary on her singing prowess, see what Travis Kelce's mom Donna, father Ed, brother Jason and sister-in-law Kylie have said about Taylor Swift.
—Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Crowe, in contrast, acts with consummate command even as Göring, by design, keeps the audience at arm’s length.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Wallen is one of the most successful country acts on streaming platforms in the United States, whether looking at songs or albums.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The Spier Arts Trust aims to make art accessible, so the farm acts as a platform for displaying art that the public can enjoy.
—Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which acts like ultra-fine sandpaper.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Unless Congress acts, American fliers are once again left to fend for themselves—refreshing apps, queuing at customer-service desks, and hoping their next flight takes off on time.
—AFAR Media, 5 Sep. 2025
Edmiston, who acts as the church’s spokesperson, provided a statement by phone on Thursday.
—Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
In silicon, the treatment acts only at the surface.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Catch the first two acts before the third premieres in November 2025.
—Emy Lacroix, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
The show, which has never shied from controversy, will feature performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, and rising alt-pop acts Alex Warren and Sombr.
—USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
One of Cook’s first acts was to bring Lockwood on staff full time, too.
—Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 7 Sep. 2025
And in sport, where the thinnest of margins always matter, recognizing the invisible might be one of your most visible acts of leadership.
—Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 7 Sep. 2025
The return to power of the Taliban has included brutal acts of violence against the Hazara throughout Afghanistan and a return to terror.
—Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Pepper points out that pigs on factory farms commit acts of violence that would otherwise be rare in their communities.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 7 Sep. 2025
The three acts with the most votes, as well as Mel B's Golden Buzzer choice, rapper Mama Duke, will be moving forward.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
From gems on her private acts of humility to commentary on her singing prowess, see what Travis Kelce's mom Donna, father Ed, brother Jason and sister-in-law Kylie have said about Taylor Swift.
—Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
Dehydration may be involved, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, like caffeine.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Crowe, in contrast, acts with consummate command even as Göring, by design, keeps the audience at arm’s length.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
Wallen is one of the most successful country acts on streaming platforms in the United States, whether looking at songs or albums.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
The Spier Arts Trust aims to make art accessible, so the farm acts as a platform for displaying art that the public can enjoy.
—Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 6 Sep. 2025
Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which acts like ultra-fine sandpaper.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Unless Congress acts, American fliers are once again left to fend for themselves—refreshing apps, queuing at customer-service desks, and hoping their next flight takes off on time.
—AFAR Media, 5 Sep. 2025
Edmiston, who acts as the church’s spokesperson, provided a statement by phone on Thursday.
—Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025
In silicon, the treatment acts only at the surface.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acts
Noun
-
After both shows ended in 2014, Meyer focused on voice acting, lending his talents to SuperMansion (2015–2017), and Crossing Swords (2020).—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
As fans scramble to catch the ball, footage shows, the ball appears to land one row in front of a woman while a man runs over and grabs it.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Schneider said any crackdowns on potential violators are more likely to be aimed at organized efforts to circumvent consumer protection laws, rather than go after every individual who may skirt regulations.—
Arpan Lobo,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Due to the state's open records laws, the lottery must, upon request, release the name and city of the winner.—
Steven Martinez,
jsonline.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
If things do go long, Alcaraz will still back himself.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
But now, the King and the royal family have received very sad news that will change things going forward.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Star actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson who plays the charismatic chef and ex-convict trying to rebuild his life and reputation, will attend the Spanish event, next to co-writers and producers Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson and Hörður Rúnarsson of Act4.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
-
George Clooney plays the titular protagonist, a famous movie actor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Eliécer Camacho Jiménez, former general of the Colombian National Police (the organization that works closely with the DEA on combatting drug trafficking in Colombia), told me there are growing divisions within Maduro's circles.—
Kristina Foltz,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
That people might be falling for the Minneapolis shooter’s scribblings and raging at each other over potential motivations is likely thrilling to potential copycat killers—proof that the troll still works.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The National Assembly lacks a clear governing majority and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) seems ever closer to finally winning power.—
Cole Stangler,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Hardly seems like enough to cow these arrogant companies into behaving, especially when their business model is so intrinsically tied to hoovering up other people’s information and creative work.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Aside from being a militant group, Hezbollah also functions as a political party that has lawmakers in the legislature and a social services arm that serves many of its constituents, primarily in the south of the country.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Social Bonding and the Meaning of Work Labor also functions as a social glue.—
Scott Hutcheson,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In the clip, the pair execute the moves to the song’s post-chorus, before a bonnet-wearing Colbert pretends to choke on something, causing Gaga to erupt in laughter.—
Stephen Daw,
Billboard,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Seeing Laura come down the deck, Cherry pretends to be drowning.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Acts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acts. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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