put on an act

phrase

as in pretend
to take on a false or deceptive appearance You don't need to put on an act just to impress us.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for put on an act
  1. make a show
  2. make believe
Phrase
  • Still, the outcry—and the lack of outspoken public support even from those federations and allies that Infantino has made a show of propping up—had unusual force and breadth.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • To celebrate what makes a show like this — real collaboration, real joy, real family, falling down and getting back up.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of make a show
Phrase
  • So in this case, let’s make believe in some timeline that didn’t happen and my wife got a manicure that day.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 29 July 2026
Definition of make believe
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.

Browse Nearby Words

put-on
put on an act
put one's finger on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Put on an act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/put%20on%20an%20act. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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