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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
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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
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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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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
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Examples of act in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Reuters, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024
Neeson could certainly have a third act as a comedy star.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Ultimately, a federal system that endows states with substantial authority can act as a powerful custodian of democracy, one that goes well beyond the mere involvement of state officials in the electoral system.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for act 
Noun
Taipei, Taiwan Reuters — A real Chinese blockade of Taiwan would be an act of war and have far-reaching consequences for international trade, Defense Minister Wellington Koo said on Wednesday after last week’s drills by China that practiced such a scenario.
—Reuters, CNN, 23 Oct. 2024
Neeson could certainly have a third act as a comedy star.
—Eric Andersson, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
Verb
The motifs on the seals acted as an early form of branding to identify commodities, according to the study authors.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
Ultimately, a federal system that endows states with substantial authority can act as a powerful custodian of democracy, one that goes well beyond the mere involvement of state officials in the electoral system.
—Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Which, in turn, speaks to themes about post-WWII Japan and the Cold War, weapons of mass destruction, and Japan’s specific position and culture regarding militarism, weapons, the Cold War, and Japan’s uniquely evolved and radically shifted perspective and position on the world stage.Mark Hughes, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
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And that, in turn, means that anyone with something to sell is incentivized to push that kind of content to boost their profits.Meriem Mahdhi, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The kissing sesh ended up being the steamiest moment on the show during its entire run.Lauren Huff, EW.com, 4 Nov. 2024
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When the show returned in January 2021, Fritz was still not on the show, with Wolfe later saying in a statement that Fritz would not be returning to the series.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This system, originating from WWII-era wage laws, has hindered real wage growth, as health insurance costs rise annually.Richard Menger MD MPA, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
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In 2013, a judge ruled in their favor, declaring parts of Utah’s polygamy laws unconstitutional, according to USA Today.Jordana Comiter, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Shot in a single take, Night Shift tells the story of a desperate and dirt-poor Khun (played by Chatchai), who decides to pack things up to have a better life in the city.Sara Merican, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024
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But then things start looking up — at least briefly.Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Add humor to your daily routines in small ways, like leaving funny notes, creating playful nicknames or sharing lighthearted jokes.Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
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The survey found that the Silent Generation and baby boomers are the least consistent in their daily washing and toothbrushing routines.David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
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But in his youth lies the reason for anonymity and pretense, Hoback claims.Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Oct. 2024
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Liberals, apparently, got up close to voters under the pretense of handing out food and water.Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024
Noun
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And in late September, after a challenge from MALDEF, federal Judge Xavier Rodriguez agreed, knocking down the bill’s criminal provisions — but only after the election on Nov. 5.Saul Elbein, The Hill, 3 Nov. 2024
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But the bill died after Trump told Republicans to wait to take action until after the election.Brian Bennett, TIME, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Black Friday doesn’t officially start until November 29, but that doesn’t mean retailers aren’t getting in on the sale action early.Jade Chung-Lee, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
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Moody, after missing three games with a high-ankle sprain, will be back in action Sunday.Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near act
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
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