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
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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
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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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However, pastel purple is very much a show stopper in nail design.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
14 Apr. 2025
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The show will explore the intersection of design, storytelling, and innovation, offering a rare glimpse into how truly great products are made.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The memo signed by Rubio also makes the case that another person, whose name is redacted, should be deportable under the same law.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2025
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This relic of constitutional law, which the Supreme Court hasn’t taken seriously since its quiet death in the New Deal era, is more mythical than historical—holding, more or less, that Congress cannot delegate its lawmaking power to another branch of government.—
Cristian Farias,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Afterwards, the biggest thing the Rangers said was about the constant breakdowns resulting in virtually every non empty goal being scored by players not being closely defended.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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As things stand, the Kings would host the Dallas Mavericks for a chance to move on in the tournament and play for the No. 8 seed in the next round.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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For more about how to instruct generative AI on doing pretenses, also known as personas, see my discussion at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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No pretense, just genuine passion for scent and storytelling.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But the bills have changed the rhetorical landscape.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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But these days the church is in disrepair and has been closed for two years because the gas bill could not be paid and the heat turned off.—
Janice Neumann,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The move adds to similar actions the administration has taken against several elite universities, either demanding changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, or in connection with their handling of protests against the war in Gaza.—
Samantha Waldenberg,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
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Forest has the fewest defensive actions in the middle and attacking thirds of the pitch this season, preferring to win the ball back in its own defensive third and counterattack at speed.—
Steve Price,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
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