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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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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
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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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
Her words also channel the playwright’s approach to structuring this family drama; Dillman drops a juicy reveal before intermission and begins the second act with a series of flashbacks, leaving viewers waiting to see the fallout.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
The two first met when they were paired together in an acting class.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Writing it, one senses, was a high-wire act over an abyss of pain, agitation, uncertainty, and the dread of being ignored or misunderstood.
—Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2025
Her words also channel the playwright’s approach to structuring this family drama; Dillman drops a juicy reveal before intermission and begins the second act with a series of flashbacks, leaving viewers waiting to see the fallout.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
During a virtual all-hands meeting with employees on Friday, CMS acting Administrator Stephanie Carlton detailed some of the specific offices at the agency impacted by cuts under Kennedy’s broader plan to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services, or HHS.
—Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025
The two first met when they were paired together in an acting class.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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That, in turn, will force most viewers into uncharted territory themselves.—
Michael Ausiello,
Variety,
10 Apr. 2025
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Those cane toads would in turn eventually produce their own Peter Pan hatchlings, allowing researchers to repeat the cycle.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The White Lotus Season 3 finale is this weekend and one character will not make it out of the show alive.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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The Oscar winner — who both wrote and stars in the stage adaptation of the 2005 movie Good Night, and Good Luck — celebrated the official Broadway opening of the show at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on Thursday, April 3, without his wife.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While Caine does not meet prerequisites for the job set out in a 1986 law — such as being a combatant commander or service chief — lawmakers noted his decades of service.—
Tara Copp,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2025
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed likely to uphold a law allowing Americans injured by acts of terror in the Middle East to take Palestinian leadership groups to U.S. courts for damages.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
1 Apr. 2025
Noun
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After the couple’s patient died, the last thing that Teddy wanted to do was discuss the fact that Owen had slept with someone else.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
10 Apr. 2025
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And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.—
Annie Blackman,
Allure,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Engage Your Senses In a shared office environment, playing loud music or lighting a scented candle is frowned upon.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
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Goodrich leads all scorers with 39 points in the 106-98 loss at Chicago. 1972 — Wilt Chamberlain plays his last pro basketball game.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The pair worked closely together while Dolan was on the board of directors for Catholic Charities Twin Cities from 2012 to 2017.—
Brian Brant,
People.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Jonah Bride worked the count full before getting ball 4, and Graham Pauley cleared the bases with a deep double to left field.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Given the Predator: Badlands director also helmed Prey, some story crossover seems likely.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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While this role may seem simple, attention to detail is crucial for success.—
Julia Korn,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Parks also served as a campaign reporter for the network during the 2016 election cycle and was the first network reporter assigned to cover U.S Senator Bernie Sanders' bid for the White House.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
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Iconoclastic critic, art historian, and photographer Max Kozloff, who served as Artforum’s executive editor in the 1970s before turning to his own artistic practice, died on April 6.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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