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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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Recent Examples of act
Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
When deciding what policies to continue, employers face a tricky balancing act between the White House’s crusade against DEI, the anti-discrimination protections already in case law, and demands from shareholders, customers and employees.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Trump issued the pardon as one of his final acts at the end of his first presidency.
—Caroline Blair, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
Congress acted similarly under President Ulysses S. Grant, suspending habeas corpus in parts of South Carolina under the Civil Rights Act of 1871.
—Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
The inquiry also learned of the club’s failure to act on those previous warnings from the Health and Safety Executive and West Yorkshire County Council.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In turn, creators receive ongoing support and unique engagement opportunities, forming lasting, genuine connections.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
In turn, Baldoni filed a lawsuit against the newspaper seeking $40 million in damages.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
3 May 2025
Noun
-
The case out of Dedham, Massachusetts has turned into a years-long whodunnit legal saga that has garnered massive intrigue from true-crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies, and television shows.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Elsewhere during her appearance on Kimmel's show, the Bombshell actress discussed working alongside Kill Bill star Uma Thurman for The Old Guard 2.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The Mahsa movement brought changes within society, but in Iran’s official cinema, which operates under the supervision of the government, censorship laws remain firmly in place.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
New laws in five states Others have followed Trump and Kennedy's lead.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Noun
-
Isaac has done a terrible thing to this person, and that is important to see.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
-
Working on the show is different from a lot of other things, especially in TV.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
Still, Ordine thinks most wagering on the conclave is likely to happen informally among friends, similar to the squares people play for the Super Bowl.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
-
Photo: Michael Roberts/Maconochie Photography There’s a lot to play for, this coming Monday, in conceptualizing a look that celebrates the message.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
Andersen, who wrote and directed the movie, is also a seasoned producer (Everest, Lone Survivor) and activist who has worked extensively with refugees in Syria, Jordan, and beyond.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
-
But the people who worked alongside us all those years responded with ear-to-ear grins.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
In 2022, however, the financial market seemed to turn upside down.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
But the parasite’s range seems to be expanding into the mid-Atlantic, according to a new paper published last month in the Journal of Medical Entomology.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
13 May 2025
Verb
-
There is also a good smattering of creations from Louis Vuitton, which is the show’s lead sponsor and where Virgil Abloh served as creative director of men’s collections and was succeeded by Pharrell Williams.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
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Haslem, who joins Prime Video from ESPN, will serve as a studio analyst alongside Griffin, Nowitzki, and Rooks for the streaming network’s pre-game, halftime, and post-game NBA coverage.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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