Definition of actionnext
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2
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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Example 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 Meanwhile, Phillips said, victims are left to live with the impacts of the perpetrators’ actions — with the survivors in this case forced to continue to relive their ordeals as the case continues on to the Court of Appeal. Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 3 June 2026 While Congress has the authority under the Constitution to declare war, the president also has power as the commander in chief to engage in military action, creating a legal dispute over which branch of government has ultimate say in matters of war and peace. Arkansas Online, 3 June 2026 The Sooners had 10 days between their one game in the SEC Tournament and the start of NCAA action. Gary Bedore june 3, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2026 For that reason, the FDA has recommended a scheduling action to control certain 7-hydroxymitragynine products under the Controlled Substances Act. Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • How about the little things, like the mini bar, or shower goodies?
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Instead of trying to calm things down, Dolan escalated the situation.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • The franchise from the Wayans family has always taken inspiration from the Scream films, and the sixth Scary Movie is no exception, as its plot is an ongoing parody of 2022's Scream.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
  • Seasonal sprites flit and flutter, providing transitional scenes, hinting at mystical elements whizzing all around within this otherwise very human plot.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit claims the club allowed patrons to pay extra money to bypass security.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Texas Tech's appeal to the NCAA to have Brendan Sorsby's eligibility reinstated has been denied, in a ruling that is separate from the transfer quarterback's lawsuit against that same governing body.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • For example, the NHL did not include Russia in its 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025, though Russia would arguably have one of the strongest rosters in the field.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
  • In addition to waiting out and acquiring Klint Kubiak as their head coach, the Raiders made some significant on-field acquisitions.
    Gladys Louise Tyler, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • The headline-splashing arrest came after LaBeouf claimed to be sober, blaming past abusive behavior on alcoholism.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
  • Castellanos developed a strained relationship with the Phillies in his final season, when his behavior — even more than his sagging production — became too much for the organization.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • Romano’s ambition here isn’t new, said Thomas Mallon in The New Yorker.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 3 June 2026
  • If your abiding artistic interest lies in the place where ambition collides with basicness, Murray Hill really must be the most compelling neighborhood in Manhattan.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • The book is a poetry collection structured in three acts with seven players, each assigned a color of the rainbow and an apparition’s name, each of whom needs an audience to fully exist.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 May 2026
  • Kareem chased it down in the corner, did a bit of a tightrope act to stay inbounds, then turned around and drained it with near-perfect form.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 30 May 2026
  • This two-story house has three bedrooms and four bathrooms.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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