in the act (of doing something)

idiom

: in the process of doing something

When they arrived, I was just in the act of starting to make dinner.

Examples of in the act (of doing something) in a Sentence

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.

Trump first ordered the documents to be released in 2017, but allowed for an extension, as some agencies' concerns aligned with those outlined in the act. —

Ayana Archie, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025 Despite being caught in the act on the clip, Remington is able to shift gear, turning toward the camera to express her excitement at her friend's imminent arrival. —

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 The state is also testing the use of radar and cameras to catch taggers in the act. —

Melissa Santos, Axios, 3 Jan. 2025 According to a new paper published in the Journal of Ethology, California ground squirrels have been caught in the act—many times over—of chasing, killing, and eating voles. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for in the act (of doing something)

Dictionary Entries Near in the act (of doing something)

in the abstract

in the act (of doing something)

in the altogether

See More Nearby Entries

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“In the act (of doing something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20the%20act%20%28of%20doing%20something%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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