playact

verb

Definition of playactnext
as in to pose

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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 playact Today, Margaret would be playacting her own massacre in active shooter drills at school. — Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 1 May 2023 Trixie advises Alma to playact highness to flummox E.B. — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2021 Today, this dynamic lives on in the form of Roblox strip clubs, where young people — mostly, minors — playact at adult sexuality. — Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2021 The world had first required her to playact as a man. — Will Stephenson, Harper's Magazine, 15 Sep. 2020 Yona has it better than the locals who have agreed to playact, and likely die, in Mui’s fake new disaster. — Madeline Leung Coleman, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2020 Cloud is almost childlike, a boy playacting at being a warrior and not always nailing the part. — Julie Muncy, Wired, 10 Apr. 2020
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playact
  1. pose
  2. masquerade
  3. pretend
  4. impersonate
  5. act
  6. play
  7. dissemble
  8. feign
Verb
  • The public disclosure of the cyber attack arrived as industry leaders and policymakers assess safety risks posed by fast-developing AI technology.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 22 July 2026
  • This widespread stagnation, often stemming from slow early-career development and structural barriers, poses a costly problem for businesses, driving high turnover and eroding institutional knowledge.
    — Liz Elting, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of pose
Verb
  • Set amid the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the tragic tale of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is famous for allowing real nightmares to masquerade as bloody fairytales.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 June 2026
  • What’s worrying to him is that abundance can masquerade as sufficiency.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Definition of masquerade
Verb
  • January 20 – February 18 Fun gets easier when the money boundary is not pretending to be flexible.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Aquarius January 20 – February 18 Fun gets easier when the money boundary is not pretending to be flexible.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • Security researchers at Jamf Threat Labs have uncovered CrashStealer, a new Mac information stealer that impersonates Apple's crash-reporting software.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • Homestead Police Chief Mario Knapp is warning the public after scammers impersonated him in an attempt to steal sensitive banking information.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
Definition of impersonate
Verb
  • Qatar and Pakistan have acted as mediators between Iran and the US.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • The team’s recital of the pre-match national anthem almost acted like a referendum on each player’s patriotism.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of act
Verb
  • The bridge — which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario — was named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Starling Marte moved over to right field and Isaac Collins came in to play left field.
    — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Definition of play
Verb
  • Instead, whole grains and foods are dissembled into molecules which, with the help of artificial colorings, flavorings and gluelike emulsifiers, are heated, pounded, shaped or extruded into any food a manufacturer can dream up.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • When McKenzie asks him how much he’s contributed to the coffers of politicians, his dodging of the question is pure dissembling theater.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 20 Apr. 2026
Definition of dissemble
Verb
  • Patients are often described as drug seekers and accused of feigning their pain.
    — Larry Seward, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Kimmel feigned surprise at the delivery, even when the driver insisted on bringing the smaller one inside the studio.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2026
Definition of feign

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playact
playacted
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Cite this Entry

“Playact.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playact. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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