enact

verb

en·​act i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
enacted; enacting; enacts

transitive verb

1
: to establish by legal and authoritative act
specifically : to make into law
enact a bill
2
: act out
enact a role
enactor noun

Examples of enact in a Sentence

Congress will enact legislation related to that issue. The law was finally enacted today.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Though states and municipalities are generally preempted from enacting their own limits, Congress allowed the EPA to waive the preemption rule to allow California to set certain regulations that are stricter than federal standards. Andrew Chung, Detroit Free Press, 13 Dec. 2024 California lawmakers enacted two measures this year to provide further protection for consumers against overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 Even though Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress, there are still hurdles that line the path to enacting his vision. Stephen Fowler, NPR, 12 Dec. 2024 House Republicans will have a 217-215, zero-seat margin at the beginning of the next Congress, which could cause chaos in enacting President-elect Trump’s agenda. Cate Martel, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enact 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enact was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near enact

Cite this Entry

“Enact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enact. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

enact

verb
en·​act in-ˈakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
1
: to make (as a bill) into law
enact legislation
2
: to act out
enact a scene from a play
enactor noun

Legal Definition

enact

transitive verb
en·​act i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
: to establish by legal and authoritative act : make into law
enact a bill

More from Merriam-Webster on enact

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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