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
-
This in turn can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
-
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
Noun
-
One of my biggest criticisms of HBO’s adaptation of The Last Of Us Part II, which is being adapted into multiple seasons of TV, is the way the show bungled the chronology.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
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
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
-
Nowhere is this truer than Wimbledon, which has always been a law unto itself. — Caoimhe O’Neill contributed reporting.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
As long as these self-promoting cads are in charge, things can only get worse.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
-
That ability to make things feel personal and easy is a point of connection between the founder and Rogge.—
Laird Borrelli-Persson,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
No word on the role Koch is playing, and official plot details for the film are being kept under wraps, although it’s described as a comedic drama set in the world of artificial intelligence.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
-
Willits played baseball at Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
These low-growing, mounding plants work well as ground covers, edging plants, or in containers.—
Lauren David,
Southern Living,
6 July 2025
-
Firms aspire to generate new possibilities of working, operating, interacting, playing, and living for its customers.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Verb
-
Her youngest daughter, in particular, seemed stunned, letting out a scream more suited to seeing something out of a horror movie.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
The sky turned hazy, health officials urged residents to stay inside, and what once seemed like gradual progress toward cleaner air suddenly felt alarmingly fragile.—
Youssef Rafik,
Hartford Courant,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
His garage served as both a workplace and a hideout when needed.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
5 July 2025
-
When cooking or serving food outside, make sure to keep it covered to keep wasps out.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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