acting

1 of 2

noun

act·​ing ˈak-tiŋ How to pronounce acting (audio)
Synonyms of actingnext
: the art or practice of representing a character on a stage or before cameras

acting

2 of 2

adjective

1
: holding a temporary rank or position : performing services temporarily
acting president
2
a
: suitable for stage performance
an acting play
b
: prepared with directions for actors
an acting text of a play

Synonyms of acting

Examples of acting in a Sentence

Noun Her acting is unusually good in this film. a new style of acting Adjective The college's acting president will be replaced with a permanent one next fall. will serve as acting president of the university until a permanent replacement can be found
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Having gone to college to study astrophysics, what initially sparked your interest in comedy and acting, because that’s quite different from astrophysics? Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026 From there, the future acting legend was forced into the craft and quickly found his knack. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has been elevated to the top job, on at least an acting basis, and is performing the duties of the department’s top official. Stephen Groves, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026 Miley Cyrus also reflected on her bond with Osment on the series, which was her first big acting role. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acting

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from gerund of act entry 2

Adjective

from present participle of act entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1797, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acting was in 1590

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Cite this Entry

“Acting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acting. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

acting

adjective
act·​ing
ˈak-tiŋ
: serving temporarily or in place of another
acting president

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