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
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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
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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of act
Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
In the meantime, Snoop continues to show up anyone who doesn’t believe in second acts.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
The presence of a caring friend or relative triggers the release of feel-good endorphins, neurotransmitters in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
In a season obsessed with volume and victory speeches, Lilleaas’ ascent has been defined by trust, vulnerability and the radical act of listening.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
In the meantime, Snoop continues to show up anyone who doesn’t believe in second acts.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
The acting mandate was evidently to go puppy.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
The presence of a caring friend or relative triggers the release of feel-good endorphins, neurotransmitters in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood boosters.
—Kyra Dahring, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Adding a creatine monohydrate supplement to your routine is the most effective way to increase body and muscle stores of creatine to reap creatine’s health benefits.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Think of it as future-proofing your travel routine—at prices that are too good to ignore.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The tour consisted of 83 shows and marked her first arena tour.—
Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The co-founder of Airbnb, Gebbia ran through the new website with Oz, a former television show host, during the informercial-style event.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Canada already has far stronger gun laws than the United States, and mass shootings are extremely rare.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Democrats are calling for judicial warrants before agents can enter private property, a ban on ICE agents wearing face masks, requiring the use of body cameras and new laws for use-of-force standards.—
Justin Gomez,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Before playing in the last four games, Reaves had missed the previous 19 with his calf injury.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Maldonado invited Jaquez to play, and after losing, Jaquez bought Maldonado drinks and returned to his friend group, according to the affidavit.—
Elissa Jorgensen,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And my initial job and focus was working for the chief digital officer at the time who was a really smart guy.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
But its last shutdown plan, released in late September, indicates that 91% of its employees would continue to work without pay.—
Riley Beggin,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The White House did not address whether Tuesday’s vote would lead to Trump relying more heavily on executive action — something the president himself seemed to suggest during his interview with Kudlow.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Perhaps this focus explains why Hedda’s relationships with the male characters seem underdeveloped.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Confrontations involving federal agents have routinely been captured on video from multiple angles, which later served to discount parts of the government’s narrative of events.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Of the other options, Bone Fire takes grilling to another level with unique preparations of excellent cuts of meat and fresh fish, while Marea, which serves lunch and dinner, explores the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean.—
José Cantillo Ferrer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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