Play-acting is a term used to describe the act of pretending or putting on a show for entertainment purposes. While play-acting is a common phrase, there are several synonyms that can be used to better describe the activity, depending on the context. For example, if the play-acting involves children, the term play-pretend could be used. For more serious or theatrical situations, the term dramatic performance or theatrical production may be more appropriate. Other synonyms include role-playing, game-playing, and performance art. In essence, play-acting involves using imagination and creative expression to create an engaging and entertaining experience for oneself or others.