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
Barry Gelman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
These acts are matched by several of the moment’s key scene stars, with the lineup’s other big font names being Peggy Gou, Dom Dolla, Mau P and Chris Lake and Chris Lorenzo playing as Anti Up.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Actors approach acting very differently, and so there’s always a sense at the beginning of sniffing each other out.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Farmers would bring the first produce of their fields to the Temple in Jerusalem as an act of gratitude.
—Barry Gelman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
These acts are matched by several of the moment’s key scene stars, with the lineup’s other big font names being Peggy Gou, Dom Dolla, Mau P and Chris Lake and Chris Lorenzo playing as Anti Up.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
The pair revisit past complications in their relationship before acting on their unbreakable connection and choosing to be together.
—Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2025
Actors approach acting very differently, and so there’s always a sense at the beginning of sniffing each other out.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Strong domestic participation gives companies confidence to launch bigger IPOs and those in turn attract foreign investors that prefer scale and liquidity.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
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The group, which features members all wearing terrifying masks — something that delighted millions of fans at the turn of the millennium and scared plenty of others — is back on the Billboard charts, not with new music, but with the full-length that started it all.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The series, created by married couple Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, drew inspiration from New York’s dynamic nightclub and restaurant culture, which laid the groundwork for the show’s atmosphere.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Bring a bottle of bug spray, a blanket or a comfortable beach chair, then sit back and enjoy the show.—
John Tufts,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Raise the stakes for farmers There have been calls not just to hold farmers more accountable for H-2A violations, but also to reward the ones who comply with labor laws.—
Max Blau,
ProPublica,
16 Sep. 2025
-
As lieutenant governor, Duncan backed policies expanding healthcare in rural communities and helped pass the state’s first hate crimes law.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
After conceding twice in the first 31 minutes, things could have become ugly.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
21 Sep. 2025
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In this case, that means the conviction that lower interest rates are the best thing to do for the country.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Almost two full years later, on the verge of making the postseason, the Padres returned to the ballpark that is home to one of baseball’s worst teams and continued to play like a team that seems bent on disappointing in its own spectacular way.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
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Yet, Ruud just kept right on playing good defense — racing around Laver Cup’s black hardcourt — and somehow managing to return serves that reached 130 mph.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Alfred is arguably the second-best 200-meter runner among the three and will work hard to secure a gold medal at these championships.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Long said six campus police officers were working the event, including some in plainclothes who were monitoring the crowd.—
Bill Hutchinson,
ABC News,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Almost two full years later, on the verge of making the postseason, the Padres returned to the ballpark that is home to one of baseball’s worst teams and continued to play like a team that seems bent on disappointing in its own spectacular way.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Sep. 2025
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This play seemed to be the dagger; the Liberty would again rally behind Stewart, but poor shot selection and fourth quarter turnovers cost them the game.—
Allison Smith,
Forbes.com,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This includes serving as a sewage station for your body—filtering and detoxing your blood, breaking down old red blood cells and recycling their iron—and a manufacturing plant of sorts—making key proteins and immune system cells, storing vitamins and minerals and processing your nutrients.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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However, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, you are not allowed to drink alcohol on board unless it’s served by a flight attendant.—
Jessie Beck,
AFAR Media,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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