Act up — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb abbreviation /ˈakt-ˈəp/

Meaning & Definition of Act up

Act up (verb)

  1. to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected
  2. to behave in an unruly, recalcitrant, or capricious manner
  3. show off

Act up (abbreviation)

  1. AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power

Act up (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to behave badly

    "the two-year-old was acting up in church so much that her dad had to take her outside"

    similar: act out, carry on, misbehave, raise Cain, run riot
    related: misconduct, disobey, rebel, clown (around), cut up, fool around, horse around, kid (around), show off, roughhouse
    near: obey, acquit, act, bear, comport, conduct, demean, deport, quit, comply, conform, check, collect, compose, constrain, contain, control, curb, handle, inhibit, move, quiet, repress, restrain

  2. to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior

    "you should have seen the boys acting up when they put on their aprons"

    similar: clown (around), cut up, fool around, horse around, hotdog, monkey (around), show off, showboat, skylark
    related: carry on, misbehave, roughhouse, caper, cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, carouse, maffick, revel, roar, wassail

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Act up

The most common words with a similar meaning to Act up:

act out, carry on, misbehave, clown (around), cut up, fool around, horse around, hotdog, monkey (around), show off, showboat, skylark, raise Cain, run riot

Related Words for Act up

misconduct, disobey, rebel, kid (around), roughhouse, caper, cavort, disport, frisk, frolic, gambol, lark, rollick, romp, carouse, maffick, revel, roar, wassail

Near Antonyms of Act up

obey, acquit, act, bear, comport, conduct, demean, deport, quit, comply, conform, check, collect, compose, constrain, contain, control, curb, handle, inhibit, move, quiet, repress, restrain

Word Forms of Act up

Inflections: acted up, acting up, acts up

Origin & Etymology of Act up

First known use: 1879

Frequently Asked Questions about Act up

What does "Act up" mean?

"Act up" means to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected. As an a verb and an abbreviation, it is defined as: to act in a way different from that which is normal or expected. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Act up"?

Other words for "Act up" include act out, carry on, misbehave, clown (around), cut up, fool around, horse around and hotdog. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Act up" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Act up"?

There are 33 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Act up". Common alternatives include act out, carry on, misbehave, clown (around), cut up, fool around, horse around, hotdog, monkey (around) and show off.

How do you use "Act up" in a sentence?

Examples of "Act up" in a sentence: "the two-year-old was acting up in church so much that her dad had to take her outside"; "you should have seen the boys acting up when they put on their aprons".

Is "Act up" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Act up" can be used as a verb and an abbreviation, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Act up"?

"Act up" is pronounced /ˈakt-ˈəp/.

What is the origin of the word "Act up"?

First known use: 1879.

What is another word for "Act up" meaning "to behave badly"?

When "Act up" (verb) means to behave badly, synonyms include act out, carry on, misbehave, raise Cain and run riot.