act out

verb

Definition of act outnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 Whether it’s induced by the unknown or past experiences, dogs may shake, tremble, bark, act out or hide when in distress. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 When a teacher, coach, counselor, pediatrician, or school psychologist sees a boy who is withdrawing, escalating, or acting out, that should prompt care. — Wes Moore, STAT, 1 July 2026 But parents could make a lesson out of going on a trip to the bank, or with very young children, Tsuei recommends pretend play, such as acting out buying toys from a store. — Jillian Pretzel, Parents, 30 June 2026 Lawmakers must resist the temptation to act out of fear to block the growth of AI and its still largely unknown benefits. — Jessica Melugin, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for act out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for act out
  1. misconduct
  2. disobey
  3. carry on
  4. act up
  5. rebel
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
  • Circe, too, disobeys the code, turning Odysseus’ men into pigs.
    — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Ulysses expresses sorrowful regret for having disobeyed Zeus’ Law – essentially the Golden Rule – in sacking Troy.
    — Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Definition of disobey
Verb
  • Fortune’s intrepid tech editor, Alexei Oreskovic, and his merry band of reporters will carry on in my absence.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The law requires maritime goods transported between American ports be carried on ships built and operated by Americans, and Phillips 66 has received around 20% of all exemptions granted.
    — Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of carry on
Verb
  • Powell said the Cru team rarely gets such blowback because of its gentler approach, though the occasional troll will act up.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Currently, Screen Time often acts up and just cuts off access to all apps, whether it’s supposed to or not.
    — Tyler Hayes, PC Magazine, 9 June 2026
Definition of act up
Verb
  • When the mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin rebelled against Putin, in 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that then security council chief Nikolai Patrushev, age 75, orchestrated the plane crash that killed the rebel leader.
    — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This story covers the rise of robots rebelling against their masters.
    — Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of rebel

Browse Nearby Words

actors
act out
actress
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Cite this Entry

“Act out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/act%20out. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on act out

Nglish: Translation of act out for Spanish Speakers

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