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Definition of playact

playact

/ˈpleɪˌækt/
play · act
Past Simple:playacted
•
Past Participle:playacted
•
Present Participle:playacting
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playact Lexical Profile

playact Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To behave in an overly dramatic, affected, or insincere manner in order to impress or deceive others.

Example

"Stop trying to playact and tell us how you genuinely feel about the situation."

2

To perform in a theatrical play or engage in make-believe role-playing.

Example

"The children loved to dress up in old costumes and playact in the backyard all afternoon."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for playact

• Nearby Words

playa
playability
playable
playact
playacting
playback
playbill

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Playact. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/playact
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