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 Morris asked the court in November to strike the class-action allegation from the suit because, his attorneys argued in court filings, it could not be proven that every Gateway member donated to the church specifically because of the claims about the money’s purpose. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026 That action didn’t stop DCF from moving 76-year-old Jackie Meyerson there months later. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026 Taken together, these actions will cripple Iran's military, crush their ability to support terrorist proxies and deny them the ability to build a nuclear bomb. James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026 These meetings have resulted in a coalition of support between the groups for future actions against the pigs of Chicago. Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Here are five more things to know about the film festival.
    Adam Bell April 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 Apr. 2026
  • If getting pampered isn’t your thing, the 18-hole Championship golf course is popular and has hosted PGA and LPGA events.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Dubbed Crest Nine, the project has turned a steep hillside plot into a luxury health destination.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Around this time Denise and Aaron filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Vallejo claiming defamation and emotional distress.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • This article quotes from and is based largely on records from three lawsuits against formula manufacturers that went to trial in 2024 and are now on appeal.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ridden Saturday for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, Commandment dropped back to last in the field of six midway through the 1 1/8-mile stakes, content to allow the others to contest the pace.
    Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Through adoptions, education, outreach, and field services, the shelter provides critical support to promote responsible pet care in the community.
    Janay Reece, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Travel experts share key etiquette tips — from greetings to restaurant behavior — to help visitors blend in while exploring Paris.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Lawyers for the church argue that Morris’ agreements with the church preclude him from those benefits if he was fired or resigned because of immoral behavior.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Fast-forward to the present, and the biennial format has spread across the planet as part of a global culture industry driven as much by tourism and city branding as by artistic ambitions.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, officials refocused the strategic narrative on their ambitions to degrade Iran's conventional military – especially ballistic missile – and nuclear programs.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Alongside the conference programme, the SXSW London Music Festival will showcase more than 200 artists, spanning emerging voices and established acts such as Tiwa Savage, ODUMODUBLVCK, Rachel Chinouriri and Circa Waves.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The amphitheater, where bandleader Cesar LaMonaca led an orchestra under the moonlight for nearly 50 years, was gone, eventually replaced and moved a bit north and booked with acts of the day.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Paxton told stories about running for office for the first time and his 2023 impeachment.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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