ACT OUT Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

act out

verb

Definition of act out

as in to misconduct

to behave badly because his parents spent so much time with his chronically ill sister, the boy resorted to acting out in order to get attention

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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.

Recent Examples of act out Pious femininity was being acted out with costumes, makeup, and abundant use of amen. — Robin Givhan, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026 The star, playing an unnamed Narrator, recruits audience members to help act out a story about grief, as her character recounts her mother’s depression and suicide attempts. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 When the child started acting out at home, his family reportedly started asking questions of the boy and made a report to law enforcement. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Perhaps the threat wasn’t quite so dire, or its parameters were not well-enough defined, and the Secret Service acted out of a superabundance of caution. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for act out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for act out

Verb

In addition, referees were instructed to apply the rules regarding fouls and misconducts more strictly – a move meant to protect players and their inventiveness.

— Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026

Definition of misconduct

Verb

The violations are disobeying orders and conduct unbecoming an officer.

— Charlie D'Agata, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
People don’t do what they’re supposed to, or someone betrays someone else for money or power or spite, or maybe a dragon just disobeys its rider and decides to murder a prince.

— Brian Grubb, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of disobey

Verb

Devers hit a three-run home run in the second inning, Drew Gilbert hit a pair of rally-sparking doubles, and five Giants relievers carried on the momentum that Whisenhunt appeared to be building before his elbow lit up.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
What began as a single title has since grown into more than 400 books and counting, with Mike Berenstain now carrying on the family legacy.

— Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of carry on

Verb

People are rebelling against the constant connection and dopamine distraction that smartphones can bring.

— Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
With fatter paychecks, customers are rebelling against the chains that serve up shrinkflation and replace workers with broken self-checkout machines and touchscreen kiosks.

— Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rebel

Browse Nearby Words

actors

act out

actress

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“Act out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act%20out. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of act out

verb

Example Sentences

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