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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
—Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Verb
Conservatives and libertarians rightly endorse robust private charitable activity so that private citizens, acting freely and without government direction, can ameliorate social problems through voluntary action.
—Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Colombia) Set during Colombia’s 1992 energy crisis, following Ester and Leo, a couple whose road trip takes a tragic turn when Ester vanishes without explanation.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
15 July 2025
-
Mark in turn confides (some of) his situation, all leading to the exclusive TVLine sneak peek above.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
More than a decade after its premiere, the show has experienced a major resurgence, especially among members of Gen Z (like myself).—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
8 July 2025
-
Watch it here: Stream your favorite shows, the biggest blockbusters and more.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
In 2017, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, which established uniform policies for autonomous vehicles across Texas and placed oversight in the hands of the state government, preventing municipalities from enacting any laws or regulations related to autonomous and self-driving vehicles.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
-
Ohio's new law requires public school districts, charter schools and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools to ban students' use of cellphones in schools by Jan. 1, 2026.—
Jessie Balmert,
The Enquirer,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
But having a summer ‘schedule’ that changes from week to week means things tend to get hectic, and that means lunch sometimes becomes an afterthought.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
15 July 2025
-
The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
No word on the role Koch is playing, and official plot details for the film are being kept under wraps, although it’s described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
-
Willits played baseball at Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
This technique works especially well when readers are swimming in too many possibilities.—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
During his first term in office, Trump wasn’t exactly kind to Meghan Markle, who was a working member of the royal family at the time.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
But compared to the heights of the Ezell raids, these numbers seem small by comparison.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
None of this, Gunn seems to be saying, needs to be that serious anymore.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Big names grab headlines but there are plenty of people serving longer suspensions than Swiatek or Sinner.—
Merlisa Lawrence Corbett,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Chui and Pang danced, ate cake and toasted with bubbly drinks served in the clear cups typically used on planes.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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