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Definitions

acting

[ak-ting] / ˈæk tɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
substituting in a role
Synonyms
STRONG
adjutant alternate assistant delegated deputy interim surrogate temporary
WEAK
ad interim pro tem pro tempore provisional
Antonyms
WEAK
permanent
NOUN
entertaining, performing
Synonyms
STRONG
assuming characterization depiction dramatics dramatizing enacting enactment feigning hamming histrionics imitating imitation impersonation improvisation mime mimicry pantomime performance playing portrayal portraying posing posturing pretending pretense putting rendition seeming simulating stagecraft stooging theatre theatricals
WEAK
play acting showing off

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.

“We have to learn from what happened last night, and we will, but the first takeaway…is that the system worked,” said acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was also in attendance at the dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Court filings lay out how Altman convinced Musk to back OpenAI in 2015, acting as a co-founder for a non-profit lab whose technology "would belong to the world."

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Others tried to analyze the facial expressions in photos of top administration figures, looking for something disingenuous to betray acting or indicate a lack of real fear.

From Slate • Apr. 26, 2026

In posts on Truth Social, Trump said he was safe and praised law enforcement for acting “quickly and bravely,” adding that officials would determine next steps for the evening.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

“Why would I take method acting? I’m not that insufferable.”

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny