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
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Recent Examples of acts
Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Three of the most successful R&B acts of the 1990s — Salt-N-Pepa, TLC, and En Vogue — are joining forces for an epic summer tour that will take them to amphitheaters all across the United States.
—Andy Greene, VIBE.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The collective is considered among the most important and influential hip-hop acts of all time.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Some members of the community criticize Starmer's Labour Party government for failing to prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrations from tipping into anti-Jewish speech and acts.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Plaintiffs also allege that the city of Gary’s negligence led to the accident, including because VonBank is a city employee, and the lawsuit claims that the city is liable for his acts.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening acts — Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton — didn’t actually open, but performed several mini-sets during the three-hour show.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Latin American fans have seemingly embraced the influence of K-pop acts, with their refined aesthetic presentation, flashy performances, and potent messages of self-acceptance.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
In recent months, several female founders synonymous with the 2010s wave of millennial entrepreneurship have begun their second acts.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
Related to this selling pressure in gold is the strength in the dollar, which acts a safe haven currency in times of geopolitical conflict.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Unless Congress acts, that would mean automatic cuts to monthly checks.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
More nostalgia acts should team up for similar, more bang for your buck tours.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
As part of the Dapper Doughnuts franchise agreement, each storefront also comes with a food trailer, for which the doughnut shop acts as a commissary kitchen.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Any extra energy trapped in the atmosphere or oceans acts as a warming agent.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Shortly after, the agency cracked down on OpenBiome, a nonprofit that acts like a blood bank for stool, ending a longstanding practice of choosing not to enforce certain regulatory requirements.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
Earlier this year, the Orange County Jail, which acts as a regional holding center for people detained, had as many as 185 people on a single day booked without criminal charges beyond their immigration violation.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
The president of United Farm Workers — the union co-founded by Chavez and Huerta in 1962 — condemned Chavez’s acts.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Three of the most successful R&B acts of the 1990s — Salt-N-Pepa, TLC, and En Vogue — are joining forces for an epic summer tour that will take them to amphitheaters all across the United States.
—Andy Greene, VIBE.com, 23 Mar. 2026
The collective is considered among the most important and influential hip-hop acts of all time.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2026
Some members of the community criticize Starmer's Labour Party government for failing to prevent pro-Palestinian demonstrations from tipping into anti-Jewish speech and acts.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
Plaintiffs also allege that the city of Gary’s negligence led to the accident, including because VonBank is a city employee, and the lawsuit claims that the city is liable for his acts.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
The opening acts — Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton — didn’t actually open, but performed several mini-sets during the three-hour show.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
Latin American fans have seemingly embraced the influence of K-pop acts, with their refined aesthetic presentation, flashy performances, and potent messages of self-acceptance.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
In recent months, several female founders synonymous with the 2010s wave of millennial entrepreneurship have begun their second acts.
—Amy Francombe, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Throughout the summer, celebrity beautician Iván Pol acts as resident facialist.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
Related to this selling pressure in gold is the strength in the dollar, which acts a safe haven currency in times of geopolitical conflict.
—Todd Gordon, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Unless Congress acts, that would mean automatic cuts to monthly checks.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
More nostalgia acts should team up for similar, more bang for your buck tours.
—Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 23 Mar. 2026
As part of the Dapper Doughnuts franchise agreement, each storefront also comes with a food trailer, for which the doughnut shop acts as a commissary kitchen.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Any extra energy trapped in the atmosphere or oceans acts as a warming agent.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026
Shortly after, the agency cracked down on OpenBiome, a nonprofit that acts like a blood bank for stool, ending a longstanding practice of choosing not to enforce certain regulatory requirements.
—Jonathan Wosen, STAT, 23 Mar. 2026
Earlier this year, the Orange County Jail, which acts as a regional holding center for people detained, had as many as 185 people on a single day booked without criminal charges beyond their immigration violation.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for acts
Noun
-
The 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil, for instance, has long been a staple in our double-cleansing routines.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Industry advocates argue that the proposal is about preserving small, familiar routines that contribute to quality of life.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The pair also address Quentin Tarantino‘s recent claim on The Joe Rogan Experience that TV shows don’t stick with you the way movies do.—
Brian Hiatt,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2026
-
On the other side of the museum’s grand staircase, two engrossing small shows extend the presentation of Spanish art both forward and backward in time.—
Benjamin Lima
Special Contributor,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The state lawyers argued the merger would run afoul of federal laws designed to protect against monopolies.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
-
The state-level laws include limiting collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite new tax revenue from a 20 percent tax increase, the city still faced a shortfall and was on the hook for things not budgeted.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
-
The Kings were trailing by 26 early in the second half when things got really ugly.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Air service plays an outsize role in the nation's most expansive state, where most communities rely on flights for year-round access.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
Everyone plays a role The week before spring break was a special-occasion-puzzle Friday with a cookie prize for the first girl and first boy to answer correctly.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In University City, dinner often works differently.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Teamwork works best when folks — including you — keep their promises.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For now, the Halligan appeal remains the clearest test case, and the administration seems dead-set on appealing it until the Supreme Court decides whether to consider the matter for a merits argument.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The hotel seems to mirror the mood – its clean marble surfaces glowing with light.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
But this hate crimes framework also reinforced the power of policing, which functions to perpetuate social hierarchy.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Miami functions quite well as a host city, especially given its proximity to the Caribbean.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Acts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acts. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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