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as in plot
the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work the mystery writer displays a sure hand in managing the novel's complicated but never incoherent action

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in lawsuit
a court case for enforcing a right or claim filed an action in county court to recover his lawn mower from his neighbor, who claims he "gave" it to her

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war the battalion saw action soon after it arrived in France

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of action Editor's note: The story has been updated with the latest restoration information and details of President Biden's action. April Rubin, Axios, 1 Jan. 2025 One of Barca’s scouts saw him in action there and called the two people in charge of the club’s youth teams: Jordi Roura and Aureli Altimira. Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025 Beijing’s plans and actions have unsettled many observers in Washington, some of whom worry that China is catching up to the United States, or even leaping ahead. Sam Bresnick, Foreign Affairs, 31 Dec. 2024 Content on these platforms can glorify their actions, fostering distrust in mainstream narratives while creating a sense of intimacy with the accused. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for action 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • That's more my thing than discovering every corner of the world.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
  • American manufacturing had its heyday in the 1950s when workers making things accounted for more than 30% of all employees.
    Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The boldness of the plot was a dark reflection of India’s rising economic weight in the West, despite the farcical denouement: An American informant had unwittingly been hired as a hit man.
    Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Where Killers Of The Flower Moon focuses on character, Oppenheimer focuses on plot.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The proposals call out warnings around discriminatory lawsuits like that of Starbucks, retaining a chief diversity officer position, and citing concern over Costco's unwavering commitment to equity.
    Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • The lawsuit alleges Mercurio was not armed at the time and did not threaten Gonzalez.
    Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Lawrence has been recently seen working with his trainer from the field at practice, but there was speculation that the team would shut him down for the remainder of the season.
    Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
  • He was rolled up on and limped off the field after a Saquon Barkley run.
    Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • What would help is a continuous conscious effort to break those habits and instill new, better behaviors.
    Brenda Looper, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Spotify, after all, did not start out aiming to shape users’ listening behavior.
    Liz Pelly, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Married to her husband for seven years, Kristyn balances her professional ambitions and family life with enthusiasm and determination.
    Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
  • To fight to make sure everyone has a fair shot to pursue their ambitions.
    Molly Nagle, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Prosecutors have described the murder as an act of terrorism, noting a notebook found on Mangione expressing hostility toward the health insurance industry.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • After a decade as openers for regional musical acts, and only gradually incorporating often crass comedy into their act, Williams and Ree moved to Los Angeles and became regulars at the Comedy Store during the late 1970s.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Vogue Beauty The biggest beauty stories, trends, and product recommendations.
    Audrey Noble, Vogue, 19 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near action

Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 7 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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