1
2
as in shows
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 laws
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 things
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 plays
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
as in seems
to give the impression of being
always acting helpless, just to get attention
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4
as in functions
to have a certain purpose
the tail feathers of woodpeckers act as props while the birds excavate tree trunks for insects
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5
as in pretends
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 mocks
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 acts
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Warren Zevon and several other musical acts have officially been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 2025
In light of the uptick in threats and seemingly random acts of violence on HBCU campuses, many schools have opted to increase security in an effort to keep students safe.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 Nov. 2025
That's especially true in the Southeast, where there’s no shortage of uniquely thrilling opening acts from Chief Osceola and his flaming spear at Florida State to the eagle’s pre-game lap around Jordan Hare Stadium at Auburn.
—Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025
Outkast, Soundgarden, the White Stripes, Cyndi Lauper, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, and Bad Company are the seven acts who will be inducted into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Such language has been blamed for turning up the political temperature over the last several years, creating an environment where political violence is increasingly accepted, supported, and engaged in — resulting in the murder of conservative icon Charlie Kirk, among other acts of violence.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025
There are also numerous acts looking to win a Grammy for the first time or the first time in a long time.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025
But some acts were shut out of the competition altogether, while others' inclusions came as a surprise.
—Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 6 Jan. 2026
Each Smart Tag acts as a key for specific reactions and sounds, and these can also unlock mini-games with missions and goals.
—New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2026
Frana said the Kernza in the beer acts like the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) or rice wine vinegar in cooking.
—Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 6 Jan. 2026
This rechargeable fan also acts as a mini flashlight and has a USB charging port that turns it into a portable power bank.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026
The molten salt acts as a secondary electrolyte.
—Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 2026
Support acts on the tour include Ben Kweller, Phantom Planet, Piebald, Adult Mom and Limbeck, with $1 from every ticket benefiting organizations that fight food insecurity and fund local animal shelters.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026
In California, wolves are protected by both the federal and state endangered species acts.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 6 Jan. 2026
The Magnolia now acts in partnership with Live Nation and the city of El Cajon, hosting about 100 events per year, such as concerts, comedy shows and community events.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
And the Hall of Fame is now starting to take in acts like the White Stripes who broke after the turn of the millennium.
—Verb
The Smith Canal Gate acts as a 50-foot-wide barrier between the San Joaquin River and thousands of homes in central Stockton in flood-prone areas.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for acts
Noun
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The headset provides real-time feedback based on brain activity, allowing users to adjust their play or training routines accordingly.—
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Comfort and familiarity are also gaining importance, with guests bringing routines along and seeking experiences that feel both relaxing and enriching.—
Noun
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Back in October, the Golden Globes announced a longer list of 25 shows eligible for these first-ever podcast nominations, determined by the Globes' data partner, Luminate.—
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On the television side, popular shows like The Pitt, and The Studio won big at the Golden Globes, with Noah Wyle winning for his dramatic performance in the medical series, while Seth Rogen earned a Globe for his work in the streaming comedy.—
Noun
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The cemetery of good but dead laws is infinite; the main thing is that social forces exist.—
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On the one hand, consumer protection laws are a hallmark of the region.—
Noun
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However, Chuba Hubbard’s calf injury in the second quarter of the season opened things up for Dowdle to emerge.—
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Jeff Klaiber took those things and molded Lehman into an Olympian, at times pushing boundaries and pushing Lehman to the brink.—
Verb
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As Cuenca plays a ball to the feet of his striker, Wilson dashes in the other direction, delaying Ibrahima Konate’s forward jump because the centre-back knows Bradley is unable to track both him and Robinson at the same time.—
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In the dark romantic comedy-drama, True Blood alum Skarsgård, 49, plays tough biker Ray, who enters into a dominant-submissive relationship with Colin (Melling), a shy and directionless man who sings in a barbershop quartet.—
Verb
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These Hokas are the rare travel shoe that works across all ages, activity levels, and destinations.—
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The company works closely with mental health professionals to ensure its technology aligns with clinical practice rather than replacing it.—
Verb
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Each week, that ankle seems to be more heavily taped.—
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And with each procedure, the ticking of the hands of time seems a little louder.—
Verb
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Aside from serving as a convenient storage spot, the ottoman also functions as a footrest, a seat, and a side table.—
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Oganazi Set of 5 Glass Coasters Coasters not only help your furniture stay damage-free, but a nice set also functions as decor on its own.—
Cite this Entry
“Acts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/acts. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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