Synonyms for act
- noun
- verb
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
1. Turn
turn, action, proceeding, step, number, performance, measure, operation, motion, routine, movement, transaction, procedure, figure, bit
2. Deed — actuality
deed, fact, thing, feat, stunt, passage, exploit, reality, actuality, accomplishment, achievement
Verb
Definitions
- n. 1
Actuality.
- n. 2
Something done, a deed.
- v. 1
To do something.
If you don’t act soon, you will be in trouble.
- v. 2
To perform a theatrical role.
I started acting at the age of eleven in my local theatre.
Related words
- Word family
- action active actor actress activate
- Phrases
- sex act act out act the goat act the jennet act the maggot act upon act on act up
Choose the right word
An act is strictly and originally something accomplished by an exercise of power, in which sense it is synonymous with deed or effect. Act is therefore single, individual, momentary; action a complex of acts, or a process, state, or habit of exerting power.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- action A time will come when you will regret your action.
- step One step further, and you will fall into an abyss.
- proceeding Consider your decision carefully before proceeding.
- thing The professor thought it rude to say such a thing.
- deed Propaganda of the deed was abandoned for a reason.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| act | falling | |
| action | falling | |
| step | rising | |
| proceeding | falling | |
| thing | rising | |
| deed | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 2 letters
- do1
- 3 letters
- law1, bit1
- 4 letters
- work1, play1, fact1, turn1, move1, bill1, step1, bear1, feat1, fare1, deed1
- 5 letters
- thing1, doing2, carry2, stunt1, mimic2, enact2, edict2, feign1
- 6 letters
- number2, action2, figure2, motion2, behave2, decree2, deport2, acquit2, demean2
- 7 letters
- reality4, realize3, measure2, perform2, conduct2, operate3, routine2, passage2, realise3, pretend2, proceed2, execute3, exploit2, statute2
- 8 letters
- movement2, exercise3, simulate3, pretense2, pretence
- 9 letters
- operation4, represent3, procedure3, ordinance3, enactment3, actuality5, officiate4, dissemble3, personate
- 10 letters
- proceeding3
- 11 letters
- performance3, achievement3, transaction3, counterfeit3, impersonate4
- 14 letters
- accomplishment4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (doing2 = 2 syllables).