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
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2025
Signs might include pacing, whining, excessive barking, destructive acts, accidents in the house and excessive salivation, drooling or panting.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin emphasized Europe's readiness to act.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
As a kid growing up in Macclesfield, Ellis loved MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Bombay Bicycle Club, and other indie acts.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2025
Signs might include pacing, whining, excessive barking, destructive acts, accidents in the house and excessive salivation, drooling or panting.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025
Verb
His other acting credits include the Fargo series, the limited series The Offer and the Life in Pieces series.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2025
French Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin emphasized Europe's readiness to act.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
-
Those ’90s doujinshi publications corresponded with a steady turn toward more positive love stories between women, and Class-S would see a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to the long-running Maria Watches Over Us (1998-2012).—
Vrai Kaiser,
Them.,
30 May 2025
-
The bad-guy turn came because Rhodes, dressed like a discount Homelander but seemingly unwilling to make the smart move to the dark side, was running out of breathing room.—
Oliver Bateman,
The Washington Examiner,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
The show is inspired by Manning Walker’s high school experience.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
2 June 2025
-
In your downtime, indulge in some HGTV shows or home-improvement reels on Instagram for inspiration.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Asian Americans’ outrage over a judge’s leniency in the case — the assailants received $3,000 fines and no jail time — sparked a surge of activism seeking tougher hate crime laws nationwide.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
-
Sunday marks the first batch — 83, to be exact — to become law.—
Hannah Gaskill,
Baltimore Sun,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
There are worse things that can be done to good government than junking Humphrey’s Executor, and Trump is busily engaged in many of them.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
29 May 2025
-
And doing that amount of blood coming out of Barry’s neck is a one-take thing.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Both Earps and Hampton have played a very similar number of minutes and faced a very similar number of shots, but Earps’ shot-stopping has not been as strong, conceding 1.6 goals more than expected, based on the quality of shots faced.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Baty plays second base on days when Vientos starts at the hot corner, and Vientos gets DH days to get Baty at third.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
In rubble there is always opportunity, especially for a first-time manager who has worked his whole life for this chance.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 May 2025
-
And then there’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are no longer working royals and whose relationship with the rest of the family is strained at best.—
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz,
StyleCaster,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
As a young man in his 20s, Dwayne Debnam seemed to have his life lined up.—
Jonathan M. Pitts,
Baltimore Sun,
6 June 2025
-
The Ukrainians seem to be particularly being used in urban areas, where resupply is especially challenging.—
Vikram Mittal,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
After the crime While serving her sentence, Maje became pregnant by another inmate.—
Isadora Wandermurem,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
Meanwhile, a close friend—formerly —serves as the operating partner, managing the day-to-day logistics.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share