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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of act
Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 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
Keenan and his Tool bandmates are one of the many acts scheduled to appear at the Back to the Beginning concert, which takes place in Birmingham, England on July 5.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025
State law enforcement agencies wanting to participate in the program must enter into memorandums of agreement with ICE, according to the act, before participating in the program.
—Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 28 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
-
Tariffs are expected to raise inflation in the U.S., which implies higher future interest rates, which in turn pressures Treasurys, Ryan said.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2025
-
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
-
Born in the Philippines before moving to New York City as a child, Caliente also had a recurring role on the Ryan Murphy FX drama series Pose as Veronica, and appeared on other TV shows like Broad City and Search Party.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Back in 2020, Wallen was disinvited from SNL for breaking the show's COVID-19 quarantine protocols the same year he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The state's Senate approved the proposal, which is modeled after Arizona’s law, on April 1.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Colorado’s vehicle traction law already requires commercial vehicle drivers to use chains or other traction devices when winter conditions make roads slick.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Of course, a visually stunning and perfectly functioning restroom has many things happening behind the scenes that aren’t always obvious at first glance.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Vick had a career-high 540 yards rushing in 1988 and played only four NFL seasons.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
Getty Images As for street style, the outfit inspo there proves that Autry sneakers play nicely with spring’s transitional weather.—
Lina-Marie Baatz,
Glamour,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Thematically, the fractured friendship works well in a story that is so much about the joys of friendship and the pain of a camaraderie betrayed.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Apr. 2025
-
Trading Warren and some other top prospects for Alcántara could work, but what next?—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Given the way the entire month of April has gone for this team, the following seems entirely possible: The Stars have now lost eight straight games.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
These fast-moving, Mid-Atlantic hurricanes seem to occur every 40 years or so, with 2003, 1933, 1896, 1893, and 1878 all being examples.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The proceeds from sales will go toward summer camps and mission trips for middle and high school youth, who often serve as volunteers with their parents, Castro said.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Cadwalader is the former law firm of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who served as the president's former criminal defense attorney in 2024 before joining the current administration.—
John Parkinson,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share