enact

verb

en·​act i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
enacted; enacting; enacts
Synonyms of enact

transitive verb

1
: to establish by legal and authoritative act
specifically : to make into law
enact a bill
2
: act out
enact a role
enactor
i-ˈnak-tər How to pronounce enact (audio)
noun

Synonyms of enact

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Examples of enact in a Sentence

Congress will enact legislation related to that issue. The law was finally enacted today.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the aftermath of the massacre, around 258 claims were filed, but the government later enacted the Indemnity Act of 1961, shielding officials from legal liability and extinguishing the claims. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 The league has penalized the Clippers and individuals involved in the alleged misconduct in one of the most punishing moves the league has enacted in its history. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 California enacted a separate new minimum wage for health care workers as of July 1, 2026. — Katie Wiseman, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Sep. 2026 This July, the EU enacted one of their demands, abolishing the customs duty exemption below €150 and introducing a temporary €3 duty per item. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enact

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of enact was in the 15th century

Rhymes for enact

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Browse Nearby Words

enabler
enact
enaction
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Cite this Entry

“Enact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enact. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

enact

verb
en·​act in-ˈakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
1
: to make (as a bill) into law
enact legislation
2
: to act out
enact a scene from a play
enactor
-ˈak-tər How to pronounce enact (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

enact

transitive verb
en·​act i-ˈnakt How to pronounce enact (audio)
: to establish by legal and authoritative act : make into law
enact a bill
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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