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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Kyaw Mya, a citizen of Burma, was convicted of lascivious acts with a child-victim less than 12 years of age.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
The fiber in chia seeds also acts as a prebiotic, feeding probiotic bacteria, and may help improve obesity.22
12.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
—Maya Sweedler, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Kyaw Mya, a citizen of Burma, was convicted of lascivious acts with a child-victim less than 12 years of age.
—Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 21 May 2025
Verb
Your bedroom is up here, a large space with a powder room, built-in sofa, desk, and floor-to-ceiling windows that act as picture frames for the sublime mountain backdrop.
—Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 22 May 2025
The fiber in chia seeds also acts as a prebiotic, feeding probiotic bacteria, and may help improve obesity.22
12.
—Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
And as the sport’s top gate receipt producer—just ahead of the Yankees—the Dodgers can expect three boffo turns at the box office.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
30 May 2025
-
The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Golden Gate Park, which sits in the city's center and was a magnet for rock and theater performances of all kinds in the '60s, will host three shows by Dead & Company – the name given to what remains of the original band plus current guests – at the park's Polo Fields Aug. 1, 2 and 3.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
-
The show, which is set to premiere later this year, will see the kids face the challenges of carrying on the Chrisley name and legacy after their parents were locked up.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Earlier this month, Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a letter to the University of Notre Dame claiming its DEI policies may violate state and federal law.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
31 May 2025
-
But Connecticut’s clean slate law does not apply to out-of-state convictions.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
There are worse things that can be done to good government than junking Humphrey’s Executor, and Trump is busily engaged in many of them.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
-
And doing that amount of blood coming out of Barry’s neck is a one-take thing.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Baty plays second base on days when Vientos starts at the hot corner, and Vientos gets DH days to get Baty at third.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
-
Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
The data doesn't lie: vaccines work, including against COVID-19.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
31 May 2025
-
His mother worked as a doctor in China, and juggled three jobs in the U.S. for over a decade, saving up enough to eventually open a medical clinic.—
Samantha Subin,
CNBC,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
By Sunday, that loss seemed a distant memory, though, and for good reason.—
Michael Marot,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
-
That could be the cherry on top of the sundae for the Oilers, who seem to have the Stars figured out in almost every way.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.—
Carole Kotkin,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, a close friend—formerly —serves as the operating partner, managing the day-to-day logistics.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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