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
as in to be (to)
to behave toward in a stated way
I would never act toward my boss that way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Apr. 2025
An affirmative vision of what the world should be is the inspiration for many of those who, in these tempestuous early months of Trump 2.0, have taken meaningful risks—acts of American dissent.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Esther Kang, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Green Day is nothing, if not always, a political act.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Apr. 2025
An affirmative vision of what the world should be is the inspiration for many of those who, in these tempestuous early months of Trump 2.0, have taken meaningful risks—acts of American dissent.
—Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
Alongside Fallon, Saint John will act as the On Brand Agency's Chief Marketing Officer.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
How to act during strong winds Take shelter: Immediately go inside a sturdy building during a high wind warning or severe thunderstorm warning and move to an interior room or basement.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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The authors suggest this tolerance let Deinosuchus thrive in coastal habitats that hosted large prey, in turn growing to enormous proportions.—
Sara Hashemi,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Transportation proposes adding a traffic signal to the intersection and dedicated turn lanes from First Avenue onto Atlanta Street in Gravette.—
NWA Democrat-Gazette,
Arkansas Online,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Most significantly, the wealthy Ratliff family (played on the show by Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, and co), were recast as President Donald Trump and his family, in a riff on the current tariff situation.—
Rebecca Cope,
Vogue,
14 Apr. 2025
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Abby’s Motivations – Last night, players saw that the show was saying right away that Abby was a Firefly and was angry at Joel for all his murders at the hospital, decimating the entire organization.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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What To Know The bill passed a 7-2 vote in the state Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee, the first step to becoming law.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Today, the firm manages multiple impact funds, focusing on things like affordable housing for families and investing in sustainable materials and social enterprises.—
Andi Cross,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Surrounded by pediatric oncologists, Matt starts to think about how insignificant his contributions to the world are in the grand scheme of things.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Some of those lifestyle changes involved optimizing her sleep, ensuring healthy indoor air, incorporating meditation to reduce stress and starting an exercise routine.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Overall, this low-profile keyboard elevates your routine with practical features that make each keystroke both satisfying and efficient.—
Shubham Yewale,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The bill introduced by Warren and Stansbury faces an uncertain future on Capitol Hill.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2025
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But the bills have changed the rhetorical landscape.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The Cavaliers played Herro aggressively, denying him the ball and working to keep him out of the Heat’s offensive actions.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2025
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Tips for finding shelter during a tornado According to the NWS, rapid action is key to staying safe during a tornado.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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