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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Recent Examples of act
M. Z. Adnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
That occurred in May 1886 when Prof. H. Cooke and his assistant, Louise Bremond, brought their act to town for two successive nights at the Opera House for a packed house.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
To support document intelligence, a secure, centralized digital vault can act as a single source of truth for client, advisor and enterprise records.
—Daniel Kenny, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Palestinians’ resistance to their displacement is visible not only in images of young men brandishing weapons, Khader said, but in simple acts: an elderly woman tending to her land, remaining to care for her olive trees despite the ruins that now surround her.
—M. Z. Adnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
That occurred in May 1886 when Prof. H. Cooke and his assistant, Louise Bremond, brought their act to town for two successive nights at the Opera House for a packed house.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 July 2025
Verb
King's family has long expressed doubts about whether Ray acted alone or was even involved in the killing.
—Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
To support document intelligence, a secure, centralized digital vault can act as a single source of truth for client, advisor and enterprise records.
—Daniel Kenny, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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This in turn could put pressure on other churches to issue counter-endorsements.—
Esau McCaulley,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
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But during their next meeting, the agenda took a sharp turn when the CEO announced a restructuring of the leadership team.—
Melody Wilding,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Noun
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The show can be watched on CBS or streamed on Paramount+.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
21 July 2025
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The show also featured a regular segment on missing pets, in this case a dilute calico with a stripe down its nose.—
Frank Langfitt,
NPR,
20 July 2025
Noun
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In 2017, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 2205, which established uniform policies for autonomous vehicles across Texas and placed oversight in the hands of the state government, preventing municipalities from enacting any laws or regulations related to autonomous and self-driving vehicles.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
15 July 2025
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Each of us should demand our local leaders challenge every one of the immoral and cruel state laws and the Gestapo-like raids and inhumane detainments carried out by ICE agents.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
The more Jeanne relies on the authorities, the more complicated things get if and when Suzanne resurfaces.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
15 July 2025
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Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.—
Juwayriah Wright,
Time,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Cash, 47, played for Francona when the Reds manager helmed the Boston Red Sox and then served as Francona’s bullpen coach in Cleveland before becoming the Rays’ manager.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
26 July 2025
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Malakian explains the role Ozzfest played in elevating System of a Down’s profile.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
26 July 2025
Verb
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This technique works especially well when readers are swimming in too many possibilities.—
Renae Gregoire,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Specifically, Roblox has launched a License Manager that allows partners to work with eligible developers.—
Stewart Clarke,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
Verb
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While some seemed excited about Buck's sudden appearance, some speculated about the possibility of Stephanopoulos leaving the show.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
25 July 2025
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There seems to have been some confusion about the severity of the misdemeanor to which Brown ultimately pleaded no contest.—
Sarah Volpenhein,
jsonline.com,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is serving as legal adviser to Deltatre, and New Deal Advisors SpA is acting as financial adviser.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
15 July 2025
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Many of the rooms surround the secret garden, where a memorable breakfast is served to guests each morning under the fragrant shade of orange and lemon trees.—
Monica Mendal,
Vogue,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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