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
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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
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of act
Josh Meyer, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
In her final act of vengeance, Alice framed Catherine — who rebranded to Lexy and became an unrecognizable news anchor — for the murders before she was shot by Jack's partner and could never tell the true story.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ewing left acting to pursue photography, which took him to Mexico, Russia, Europe, and the South Pacific.
—Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for act
Noun
Upon learning of King’s death, CRS mediators addressed the crowd that gathered encouraged them to go home and refrain from protesting or committing acts of violence, a DOJ report said.
—Verb
The Justice Department has stopped short of claiming Ross was acting in self-defense.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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Hand creams are often a forgotten but very important part of any anti-aging routine, especially during the cooler months.—
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This shampoo and conditioner combo have both of those key ingredients and won’t add an extra step to your beauty routine.—
Noun
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Earlier in the night, host Nikki Glaser cracked a joke about the show's hype.—
-
As part of the unique treatment — Challis Davy always likes to throw in surprises — some of the artists will be portrayed by actors who will appear throughout the Irvine Bowl outdoor amphitheatre during the shows.—
Noun
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The township is arguing that state law regarding government employee protections against lawsuits conflicts with federal court rulings.—
-
Scott Venable, lead pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, said the city has never been at risk of being governed by sharia or any other foreign laws.—
Noun
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And since going downstream didn’t seem feasible, the best thing was to go upstream.—
-
Going just 6 for 15 in the first two quarters, Maye was still able to make things happen in open two quarters with five runs for 55 yards.—
Verb
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Peat fit in well with Arizona’s veteran lineup, as the freshman didn’t force the issue and played within the offense.—
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Guys were playing hard, everybody on that drive was doing their job, and getting guys down on the ground.—
Verb
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The company was also working with Transport for London on a double-decker electric bus, but the agency has yet to place an order.—
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On Friday night the Supreme Court granted the request to block full SNAP payments as the case works its way through the courts.—
Verb
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He was asked to be the signal-caller, and that responsibility seemed to hinder his ability to read and react.—
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Looking ahead to winter 2026, designers seem to agree.—
Verb
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As well as being used for entertainment events, the Brisbane venue will serve as a new home for the city’s Australian rules football team, the Brisbane Lions, as well as two cricket teams.—
-
The lawsuit further alleges she was served alcohol despite being underage.—
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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