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Definitions

act

[akt] / ækt /
NOUN
something done
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action deed move operation performance step thing
STRONG
accomplishment achievement doing execution exploit feat undertaking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
idleness inaction inactivity
STRONG
defeat failure neglect
WEAK
cessation inertia quiet repose rest stoppage suspension
NOUN
legislative document
Synonyms
STRONGEST
amendment bill decree law measure resolution statute
STRONG
announcement clause code commitment edict enactment judgment order ordinance subpoena summons verdict warrant writ
Antonyms
WEAK
cessation idleness inactivity inertia quiet repose rest stoppage suspension
NOUN
part of a performance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
scene show
STRONG
bit curtain epilogue gag introduction number piece prologue routine schtick sketch spot turn
Antonyms
STRONG
whole
WEAK
cessation idleness inactivity inertia quiet repose rest stoppage suspension
NOUN
pretended behavior
Synonyms
STRONGEST
attitude performance show
STRONG
affectation bit chaser dissimilation fake feigning front phony pose posture pretense put on sham simulation stall stance stunt
WEAK
false front shuck and jive soft soap sweet-talk
Antonyms
STRONG
reality
WEAK
cessation idleness inactivity inertia quiet repose rest stoppage suspension
VERB
do something
Synonyms
STRONGEST
begin carry out develop do enforce execute function move operate pursue respond serve undertake
STRONG
accomplish achieve consummate cook intrude labor maneuver officiate percolate perk perpetrate persevere persist practice preside
WEAK
carry on do a number do one's thing get in there go about go for broke go for it go in for go that route go to town knock off make progress take effect take part take steps take up transort work out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon destroy discontinue disregard end fail forego forget give up idle ignore leave miss neglect stop
STRONG
cease follow leave alone quit
WEAK
abstain halt hesitate refrain
VERB
behave in a certain way
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear behave carry out conduct do enact execute function operate perform react seem serve
STRONG
carry comport exert strike
WEAK
carry oneself give the appearance go about impress as play part represent oneself take on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
be real fail idle leave miss neglect prevent refuse stop
STRONG
lose
WEAK
abstain cease discontinue give up halt hesitate refrain
VERB
entertain by playing a role
Synonyms
STRONGEST
enact perform play portray
STRONG
burlesque characterize dramatize emote feign ham impersonate mime mimic mug parody personate personify pretend rehearse represent simulate star stooge strut
WEAK
be on bring down the house do a turn go on go over ham it up lay an egg make debut play act play gig play part play role put it over say one's piece take part tread the boards
Antonyms
STRONGEST
direct fail prevent stop
WEAK
abstain cease discontinue give up halt hesitate idle refrain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s no hard and fast rule for how quickly, or not, airlines have to act if they are going to cancel a mistake fare.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

The study also revealed that the two drugs act through different biological pathways.

From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026

Public health leaders must act immediately to restore transparent data reporting, consistent federal-state coordination and expert, science-driven advisory processes.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Granted that cease-fire still has the Strait of Hormuz blocked up, and fuel consumers are beginning to act: airlines including Lufthansa are reducing flights as petrochemical producers in Asia begin to scale back operations.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

“Daisy,” I said, trying to act very serious, “if you don’t stop feeding our apples to those monkeys, we’re not going to have any apples left.”

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

Vocabulary lists containing act

Reading: Literature - Drama - Introductory

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Shakespeare

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Just Do It: Act

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