act up

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.

I felt like all these isolated incidents were speaking to me to act up.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“With ‘Dead Man Walking,’ Sean was the first professional I saw act up close, the person I think I learned the most about acting from.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2023

When I was dating the woman who became my wife, her 13-year-old would act up.

From Washington Post • Apr. 4, 2023

Keep this smoke-and-mirrors act up, Martin St. Louis’ over-performing bunch can kiss Connor Bedard goodbye.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

But my son, too tired and too excited, began to act up.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover