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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of act
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The act occurred right in front of an official, making Carter’s ejection an immediate call.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
While many elements of the story are autobiographical, there are significant differences, the most important being that his protagonist, Seita, was an idealized character who acted far more nobly and cared much better for his little sister than Nosaka himself had been capable of.
—Ginny Tapley Takemori
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
That’s a tough act to follow, made tougher by the fact that the finale also had to tie up a propulsive and plot-heavy season.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
The act occurred right in front of an official, making Carter’s ejection an immediate call.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
Clattenburg, whose post-refereeing commitments have ranged from acting as a consultant to Nottingham Forest to starring on the UK television show Gladiators, was asked by Paqueta’s legal team to pass observation on the four games being viewed as suspicious.
—Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
While many elements of the story are autobiographical, there are significant differences, the most important being that his protagonist, Seita, was an idealized character who acted far more nobly and cared much better for his little sister than Nosaka himself had been capable of.
—Ginny Tapley Takemori
september 4, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
The storm is moving toward the west, and this general motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days, with a gradual turn toward the west-northwest expected later this week.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Juggling sparse resources, an extremely green team and — with Esmeralda and Enervate’s head of strategy, Ken Davis (Tim Key), sabotaging him at every turn — Ned attempts to resurrect the Truth Teller to its former glory.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Following the show's cancellation, Gosselaar landed several leading roles on series such as Pitch (2016), The Passage (2019), and Mixed-ish (2019–2021).—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But because of a different state law, that change would not take effect until after the midterms.—
Elena Shao,
New York Times,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Although the Bay Area sales tax hike and the statewide transit bond would have to go on the ballot for voter approval next year, SB 79 could become law this week if nothing is done to stop it.—
Susan Shelley,
Oc Register,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Nevertheless, the Phillies and Marlins teams were aware that few things are as exciting for a young fan as getting a home run ball.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
-
This homey boutique is a one-stop shop for all things Durango.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Still, that isn’t a factor when considering how hard and inspired the Broncos played in front of a ninth straight sellout crowd at Albertsons Stadium.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
How do these different agencies work together?—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The mixer's bowl boasts a distinctive walnut shade and wood grain pattern, and its food-safe seal means the bowl works hard (and looks good doing it).—
Ella Field,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Brown, the veteran who seemed out of sync with Mahomes most of the night after missing all three preseason games with an ankle injury?—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
That seemed to halt the Chiefs’ momentum.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Washington served in the department for 30 years and was promoted to chief in 2021.—
Kevin Grasha,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The cavernous convention center served as a temporary shelter for thousands of displaced residents.—
Mandi Wright,
Freep.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share