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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of act
Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
In between, Fleetwood Mac released an album without Buckingham or Nicks that missed the Billboard 200 entirely, and the band was reduced to touring as REO Speedwagon’s opening act.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025
Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Davis has been acting since age 11, pursuing his passion in spite of challenges presented by living with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for act 
Noun
The homosexual act is just the beginning of the depravity.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2025
In between, Fleetwood Mac released an album without Buckingham or Nicks that missed the Billboard 200 entirely, and the band was reduced to touring as REO Speedwagon’s opening act.
—Al Shipley, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
Thousands of customers just got this Bioderma micellar water that acts as a gentle cleanser and makeup remover, and another lot of shoppers picked up this Verb shampoo and conditioner that’s hardly ever on sale.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Davis has been acting since age 11, pursuing his passion in spite of challenges presented by living with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, a rare form of dwarfism.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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That in turn captured the attention of Don Nelson, who was coaching the Milwaukee Bucks at the time, and Red Holzman, the legendary New York Knicks coach.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
18 Jan. 2025
-
This, in turn, means that Trump will be under steady pressure to solve the ongoing crisis during his first year at the White House.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
18 Jan. 2025
Noun
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How ‘Wicked’ Changed the Lives of Its Stars: Only the women who’ve played Elphaba and Glinda in the show’s two decades onstage understand why the roles are so taxing — and so rewarding, too.—
Benjamin Malapris,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2025
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Godfrey’s show will be helmed at Chicago Shakespeare by its original young director, Ellie Coote, presumably with an eye on the 2025-26 Broadway season.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
After years of lobbying, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law on November 2, 1983.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
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By Alison Durkee In April, President Joe Biden signed a law that prohibits U.S. app stores from hosting TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, relinquishes ownership.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Read on for our top suggestions on things to do in the Navarre Beach area.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
17 Jan. 2025
-
Before things go in a shocking direction, the finale has some big plans for Camille (Alexandria Riley).—
Barry Levitt,
TIME,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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After launching with a preview performance in Pittsburgh on March 12, the upcoming North American tour will officially open March 15 in Austin, where the show plays in partnership with South by Southwest.—
Gordon Cox,
Variety,
15 Jan. 2025
-
Osaka was better than Garcia, who was playing her first match after a three-month mental health break.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Despite them being one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference this season, New York still has some pieces to work with on the trade block.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
19 Jan. 2025
-
Morgan Ortagus, nominated by Mr. Trump as a deputy special presidential envoy to the Middle East, worked as a network contributor for only two months in early 2019.—
Michael M. Grynbaum,
New York Times,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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In 2020, my colleague Olga Khazan asked why no one seemed interested in creating a modern temperance movement.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2025
-
The Weeknd’s second maze at Halloween Horror Nights seems to confirm that this would be the final album under that persona.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Trump, a major sports fan, was serving his first term when Los Angeles won the Games.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Jan. 2025
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Campbell’s Lions are favored by 9.5 points and experience could serve Goff and his teammates well.—
Mike Jones,
The Athletic,
18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near act
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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