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.
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Recent Examples of act
Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
—Time, 9 July 2025
Not just in cultural markers like flannels, boots, or braids, but in the act of dressing without apology.
—Daisy Maldonado, Vogue, 8 July 2025
Verb
Conservatives and libertarians rightly endorse robust private charitable activity so that private citizens, acting freely and without government direction, can ameliorate social problems through voluntary action.
—Henry Olsen, National Review, 10 July 2025
Now, proceedings have been paused until the Supreme Court acts.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
That, in turn, will trigger a future automatic benefit cut of 24% to all recipients, the centrist think tank projects.—
Ben Adler,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
-
This in turn can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
Noun
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More than a decade after its premiere, the show has experienced a major resurgence, especially among members of Gen Z (like myself).—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
8 July 2025
-
Watch it here: Stream your favorite shows, the biggest blockbusters and more.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The House passed the Senate version of the BBB on July 3; President Trump signed the bill into law on July 4th.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
Sotomayor wrote her own dissent of the majority’s ruling that fuel producers can challenge California emissions standards under a federal air pollution law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile…things haven’t looked so good for Starbucks in China recently, and not just because its baristas can’t spell names in Chinese characters, either.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
-
The downside is that each method has a potential reaction from the AGI or ASI that could turn things ugly.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Verb
-
Willits played baseball at Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
-
Rookie Christian Moore has only played in 18 games, but has shown some flashes of brilliance, including a game-tying and then a game-winning home run against the Red Sox late last month.—
Dan Freedman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Firms aspire to generate new possibilities of working, operating, interacting, playing, and living for its customers.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
-
These low-growing, mounding plants work well as ground covers, edging plants, or in containers.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
For a Mets franchise that's been down on their luck for what seems like forever now, this may be their Curse of the Bambino moment.—
Mike Gunzelman OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
-
Some noticed minor banding with select HDR10 video, but updates seem to have mostly fixed it, making this the 2025 TV to beat.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
De La Nonna's Big Bear outpost serves much of the same fare that its DTLA location does, with its toothsome focaccia-style pizzas on offer.—
Mae Hamilton,
Travel + Leisure,
5 July 2025
-
His garage served as both a workplace and a hideout when needed.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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