Showing results for "acting"

• present participle of act.

acting

American  

[ak-ting] / ˈæk tɪŋ /

adjective

1. serving temporarily, especially as a substitute during another's absence; not permanent; temporary.

   the acting mayor.

   Synonyms:

   interim, provisional

2. designed, adapted, or suitable for stage performance.

3. provided with detailed stage directions for the performer.

   an acting version of a play.

---

noun

1. the art, profession, or activity of those who perform in stage plays, motion pictures, etc.

acting British  

/ ˈæktɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking on duties temporarily, esp as a substitute for another

   the acting president

2. operating or functioning

   an acting order

3. intended for stage performance; provided with directions for actors

   an acting version of ``Hedda Gabler''

---

noun

1. the art or profession of an actor

Other Word Forms

• proacting
  adjective
• unacting
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of acting

First recorded in 1595–1605; act + -ing ², -ing ¹

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

acting

Wagner wrote his own text; largely dissolved the conventional alternation of recitative, aria and ensemble into continuous musical drama; and demanded acting and stagecraft of equal intensity.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026

Ippolito excels as the then-unknown Stallone, who, while broke, parlayed his original screenplay for “Rocky” into a starring role and an acting career.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2026

"Today I am acting on my long and deeply held conviction that individually and collectively we are stronger as a society when we reject state-sanctioned killing," he wrote in a letter addressed "to all Californians."

From Barron's ● Nov. 5, 2026

Shana M. Broussard, the commissioner and acting chair of the Federal Election Commission, explains in Slate just how much money is being let into America’s federal elections.

From Slate ● Nov. 5, 2026

There’s no way he’d schedule her for one right now, not when she’s been acting so…different.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---