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
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Recent Examples of act
Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
The broadcaster was unable to determine whether or not the men were acting under orders.
—Henrik Pettersson, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
The Trump administration is seeking to remove undocumented immigrants while focusing on those who have engaged in criminal acts in the United States or elsewhere.
—Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Charges over the first two nights have included assault with a deadly weapon, homicide, drug possession with intent to distribute, unlawful entry, resisting arrest, lewd acts, stalking, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, the official said.
—Nik Popli, Time, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
To say that Servillo acts with a poker face would be to vastly understate the unsmiling minimalism of his performance.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
The broadcaster was unable to determine whether or not the men were acting under orders.
—Henrik Pettersson, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
In turn, Shildt said a crucial level of trust has been established.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Since assuming power in 2019, Bukele has overseen a drastic drop in murder rates, which has in turn boosted his popularity.—
Semafor Staff,
semafor.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Peacock has been the home of the show since season 4.—
Christopher Kuhagen,
jsonline.com,
26 Aug. 2025
-
Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie are returning as judges for the singing competition show's next season, ABC confirmed on Monday, Aug. 25.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
26 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Sheetz to replace Fraser bank, Roseville church in southeast Michigan expansion Historically, Michigan has some of the weakest public ethics laws in the country.—
Dave Boucher,
Freep.com,
24 Aug. 2025
-
That law is among several concerns about school curriculum across the state, according to a prominent union, the Texas American Federation of Teachers.—
Zulekha Nathoo,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
But that triggered the second thing – Trump’s revulsion for math that contradicts his narrative.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Kaylor, attempting the same thing, feels like watching an injured baby deer try to do TikTok dances while amid an existential crisis.—
Olivia Crandall,
Vulture,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
His dad, Frank Beamer, spent three decades building a legacy as Virginia Tech’s greatest football coach, and Shane Beamer played there and coached for five seasons under his father.—
David Ubben,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
-
This year's slate of 9:30 a.m. international games, again, starts in Week 4 when the Vikings play Steelers and Rodgers at Croke Park in the NFL's first regular-season game in Dublin, Ireland.—
Jim Sergent,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Sheriff's Office is working with local historians at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott to identify the remains and uncover the history behind the burial, according to YCSO.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
24 Aug. 2025
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The manhunt has continued for Decker, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office said in an Aug. 19 news release, as local investigators work with state and federal law enforcement partners to coordinate their efforts.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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With such obvious volatility in play, however, trying to lay odds on the immediate future seems only wishful thinking.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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In the meantime, no school, public or private, seems entirely free from the risk of a shooting.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bolton, who served in President Donald Trump’s first term, has become a vocal critic of the administration’s foreign policy and called the president unfit to serve.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Employees need to comprehend through proper communication that zero trust is a safety measure that serves to safeguard both personnel and organizational assets, rather than expressing skepticism toward their actions.—
David Schiffer,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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