enact

1 of 2

verb

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

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
i-ˈnak-tər How to pronounce enact (audio)
noun

enactor

2 of 2

noun

en·​ac·​tor -ktə(r) How to pronounce enactor (audio)
: one that enacts
the new laws … fulfilled the fondest hopes of their enactors—Oscar Handlin

Synonyms of enact

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Verb

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Examples of enact in a Sentence

Verb 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.
Verb
The congressional map enacted after the last census was challenged and rejected in court. — Jason Buckel, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026 Time’s explainer notes that current law confines claims to importers of record and customs brokers, and that any broad household compensation would likely have to come through a tax credit or dedicated rebate program enacted by Congress. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Most of us aren’t looking to enact a wholesale job title revolution, but Deloitte’s pivot raises some practical implications for leaders. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit came as Utah was on the verge of enacting legislation intended to undercut prediction markets from doing business in the state. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enact

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for enact

See All Rhymes for enact

Browse Nearby Words

enabler
enact
enaction
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enact. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˈak-tər How to pronounce enact (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of enact for Spanish Speakers

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