act as vs act

act as is not a noun while act is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
act as	No	No	Yes	No
act	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, act as and act are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of act as include play.

As verbs, act is a hypernym of act as; that is, act is a word with a broader meaning than act as:

act as: pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
act: behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself

Other hypernyms of act as include acquit, bear, behave, carry, comport, conduct, deport, do.

act as (noun)	act (noun)
	something that people do or cause to happen
	a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
	a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
	a short performance that is part of a longer program
	a manifestation of insincerity

act as (verb)	act (verb)
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind	behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
function as or act like	pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
	discharge one's duties
	play a role or part
	perform on a stage or theater
	behave unnaturally or affectedly
	perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
	have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected
	be suitable for theatrical performance