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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
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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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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
Randi Richardson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
This act shows a lack of respect for other's opinions as well as other's properties.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Homan rose to acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump.
—Elliot Spagat, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for act 
Noun
The penalty for violating the act is up to five years in prison.
—Randi Richardson, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
This act shows a lack of respect for other's opinions as well as other's properties.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
When paired with chiles, the spice’s numbing effect acts as a calming foil to the chiles’ fiery burn.
—Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Homan rose to acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Trump.
—Elliot Spagat, The Denver Post, 12 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for act
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act
Noun
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In turn, there’s a maturity and cultural authenticity that hovers over Morayo.Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024
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This, in turn, can help vendors and customers reach mutually beneficial subscriptions.Derek Klobucher, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
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That includes shows in Denver at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 (at Ball Arena) and Colorado Springs, Sunday, Nov. 17 (Broadmoor World Arena).John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
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At the Arrowverse’s peak, with multiple shows on the air, DC Superhero series could take on this immediacy, without the self-consciousness of having to sell audiences on superhero shows.Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
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The 2-1 decision from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday comes as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge to a similar law in Tennessee, which may ultimately determine whether all such state laws around the country can be enforced.Reuters, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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And in only one case did the delivery person scan the buyer’s ID, as required by federal law.Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Regardless of what’s next, one thing is clear: Arcane ranks among the best video game adaptations ever, and stands out amid the current avalanche of releases as a perfect example of how to expand on the world of video games while driving people back to the source.Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024
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People seemed upset at the suggestion that these horrific things could be happening right under your nose in suburbia.Keaton Bell, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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As a student ambassador for Wolf Lab, Bailey plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between students and innovative learning experiences, fostering a culture of curiosity and collaboration.Caroline Ritzie, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
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Akana's mother, Joselyn, played for Hawaii from 1993-96.Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Officials are working with an anthropologist to determine whether that is true, KOB reported.Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
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The electric thrill of Sichuan pepper works well in sweet dishes, too.Megan Zhang, Saveur, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Everything seems to be formatted and interrupted all the time.Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Nov. 2024
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Just four years ago, Trump’s political career seemed over.Zac Anderson, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Meanwhile, Fantasia served chocolate realness with brown hues on the lips and nails.India Espy-Jones, Essence, 22 Nov. 2024
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As such, this weekend will serve as a homecoming for the school’s new sports czar, who was born and raised in a bedroom community 43 miles north of 30 Rock.Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near act
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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