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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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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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This, in turn, likely has helped inhibit the wintertime growth of the ice.Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
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But Bird belongs to Bailey, and to first-timer Adams, who does a winning job of being unpredictable herself, even if the film would be better off delving deeper into one of the relationships in her life rather than dipping into all of them in turn.Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 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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The Hungarian has transformed his country’s democratic system by changing electoral laws to ensure only his party can win elections.Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Long-term, things look better for Nix and the Broncos by the week.Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
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His ruling doesn’t quite end things; Brandon still has to be formally sentenced by yet another judge, who will have the option of once again rejecting the deal and reinstating the murder charge.Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The graduate student didn’t play in the season opener at Texas, only got in the game late against UNC, and played sparingly against CU before breaking out with a 156-yard, two-touchdown performance against UTEP.Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
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Mack played only a handful of snaps because of a groin injury.Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 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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Harris introduced an Opportunity Agenda for Black Men, outlining what her administration would do to support that voting constituency that seemed movable.Curtis Bunn, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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Additionally, Apple Intelligence with Siri doesn't seem to be fully baked just yet.PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
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The onions served at the McDonald’s locations are past their shelf life and no longer for sale.Jonel Aleccia, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
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Drop the smoking rosemary sprig into the drink and serve.Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near act
Cite this Entry
“Act.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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