1
as in to act out
to behave badly
the two-year-old was acting up in church so much that her dad had to take her outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to cut up
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior
you should have seen the boys acting up when they put on their aprons
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of act up
The hourlong descent appeared to go well until the final approach when the laser navigation system began acting up.
—
Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
An audio issue or two aside, Netflix mostly didn’t act up.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Allergies acting up: Homeowners who are sensitive to dust, pollen, or animal hair may notice their allergies acting up before anything else.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
As such, when a supporting character acts up, Dreux or Alyssa can rib them, but not too viciously.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act up
Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
An audio issue or two aside, Netflix mostly didn’t act up.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025
Allergies acting up: Homeowners who are sensitive to dust, pollen, or animal hair may notice their allergies acting up before anything else.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025
As such, when a supporting character acts up, Dreux or Alyssa can rib them, but not too viciously.
—Fred Topel, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act up
Verb
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Durant can, at times, string together 8-10 minute long takes, acting out everything in a particular scene, so precision is key.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
19 Mar. 2025
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However, Trump is far from the only one pushing this idea: several states are considering their own versions, including Oklahoma, which passed a strategic Bitcoin reserve act out of committee last week.—
Andrew R. Chow,
TIME,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The short reel shows users how to cut up and tape together cardboard pieces to create a little homemade tool that helps toddlers learn how to fold shirts.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA TODAY,
10 Mar. 2025
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This tincture spray — made by soaking cut up avocado pits in 91 percent rubbing alcohol overnight — can help with just about any type of pain, one TikTok user claims in a video that has racked up millions of views.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Nintendo will show off more about the Switch’s software on April 2.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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On Wednesday, March 12, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 43, posted an Instagram photo showing off her blonde wig, as well as her natural dark hair shaved.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Elsewhere, two boys, Frank and Alain, get up to assorted mischief, sneaking onto a baseball diamond at night or horsing around on railroad tracks, although there are hints that Frank’s family may leave Cuba soon.—
Ben Kenigsberg,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2025
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In the video, Payne is shown horsing around with a large outdoor crowd and his bandmates, encouraging the fans to quiet their screaming and then raise the volume all the way back up.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA TODAY,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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There is no law against creating an environment where children are made to believe that disobeying their pastor’s wishes will cause horrible prophecies to come true.—
Guthrie Scrimgeour,
Rolling Stone,
16 Mar. 2025
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There is evidence and documentation of all kinds of findings that feel like the stuff of sci-fi: vehicles that appear to disobey the laws of physics, difficult-to-explain interference with American military activity and, indeed, the bodies of intelligent, nonhuman beings.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Students from Central Academy transferring to the Eagle and Meridian academies would have the option of attending morning or afternoon instruction — or carrying on with full-day instruction.—
Rose Evans,
Idaho Statesman,
14 Mar. 2025
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The church and its outreach mission are still carrying on with partial services, led by Zervos, as well as Bible study, weddings and baptisms.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Farmers in western Pennsylvania who distilled the liquor rebelled in 1791, resulting in three years of conflict with government troops.—
Bill Hamilton,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Mar. 2025
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Most players respected the order but a few rebelled against it in newsworthy moments.—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act%20up. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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