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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

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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

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

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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 By the start of 2023, though, the prospect of drastic action was becoming an increasingly mainstream position in the Republican Party. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025 That pattern increases future management actions that can end poorly for wildlife. Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 21 Oct. 2025 As the ramifications of Prince Andrew’s actions are felt throughout the British royal family, everyone has had to take a side. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2025 Rice is back in action, and second-year speedster wide receiver Xavier Worthy is gradually making strides. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • And while handing Ole Miss its first loss of the year was reason to celebrate, things got pretty somber rather quickly for the Bulldogs after learning the injury status of one of their top playmakers.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, a stranger will come to town that will shake things up for Sharon and recontextualize both her past and her present.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Beyond its seemingly cinematic plot, the robbery was a clear example of how thieves have started targeting cultural institutions not necessarily for their prized paintings, but for artifacts that can be dismantled, stripped or melted down for their expensive parts.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Surprises are part and parcel of a horror movie, but more as jump scares or scary reveals or whatever, not a merry jaunt around another plot thread.
    Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Ticketmaster is trying to address the lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission with several moves intended to block scalpers from abusing the platform.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Attorneys representing Terri Ball argue in the lawsuit that the officers involved in the chase violated police department policies on vehicle pursuits and use of force.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Gators raced out to a 13-7 lead against the Bulldogs after two quarters, but fans were not pacified by the product on the field.
    Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Galen DiDomizio, who works in the medical field, brought his 2-year-old daughter to the protest, carrying her on his back.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™ Survey is an ongoing research program that measures consumer attitudes and behaviors relating to apparel, shopping, fashion, sustainability, and more.
    Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Overflowing cans and informal dumping attract wildlife and shift behavior.
    Monica Sanders, Forbes.com, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The trick was just finding that next pile of exorbitant wealth and luring it in with our siren song of cultural relevance and creative ambition.
    John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Fast delivery strengthens engagement, deepens brand connection and supports our ambition to create luxury experiences that go beyond retail, making every interaction more seamless and personal.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This act would make daylight saving time permanent and end the bi-annual tradition of changing the clocks.
    Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The film’s tonal balancing act — mixing absurdist humor with Anderson’s trademark intensity — seemed obviously comedic to casual awards observers, and the filmmakers, along with studio awards strategists, felt similarly.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
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.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This would provide 20 two-story units and eight one-story, one-bedroom units.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.

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