1
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

5
6

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 Justin was one of 107 service members killed in action during the second battle. Alexandra Rockey Fleming, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025 Prescott was troubled by the significant differences in tone, headlines and emphasis when covering the war, and condemned the BBC for allegedly misreporting the proportion of Palestinian women and children killed by Israeli military actions. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 Nov. 2025 There’s a spectacular sequence set in a UVA hotel in Boston, where Ben evades captures by blowing up the entire place from the basement, which is very satisfying in an old-school action-junk way. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025 The concerns bubbled up during an all-hands call on Monday morning, during which staff openly questioned Gibb’s actions. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Over the course of the three-day summit, attendees and Goldman leaders talked all things AI—from the most lucrative investments, to the tech’s impact on the environment, and its potential to innovate industries.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The game was soon over and, for all the other tremendous things Woodson did in helping Michigan to a share of the national title, that moment loomed large in his Heisman victory over Tennessee’s Peyton Manning.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Carpenter is set to star in and produce the as-yet-untitled film, which will be based on Carroll’s work, though exact plot details are being kept under wraps.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The straight-up revenge-o-matic nature of the plot, though true to the book, was somewhat predictably amped up for Arnie’s fanbase, but the best parts of Wright’s version are more subtle than that and play to Powell’s strengths as a vulnerable everyman.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • At a time when the Mavericks need as much good will, or PR, as possible, filing a lawsuit against the Dallas Stars is petty, small and mean.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Nov. 2025
  • What the lawsuits allege The first lawsuit, filed by the families of five campers and two counselors, accuses Camp Mystic of not having adequate safety plans and prioritizing money over safety.
    Pamela Brown, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Fears shot 0 of 7 from the field, scoring four points on six free-throw attempts, but tallied nine assists.
    Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Nebraska tied the game with an extra point after Missouri students rushed the field, celebrating an apparent victory.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Certain symptoms that signaled addictive food behavior were also more common among women, like inability to decrease intake, greater cravings and distress about their consumption.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the disastrous repercussions from the previous year also force Lucy and Stephen’s friends to face their own destructive behaviors.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But her fourth album, Lux, adopts the sound and ambitions of a classical oratorio to mirror the modern quest for salvation, in all its thrilling and frustrating contours.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Nov. 2025
  • More than a mere relocation, the new headquarters dubbed Aeyde Haus — to be officially unveiled on Tuesday with a special event — acts as a representation of the brand’s core values, reflecting both its roots and global ambitions.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • But inside the party’s campaign circles, few doubt that Newsom’s next act is already well underway.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 7 Nov. 2025
  • There are also numerous acts looking to win a Grammy for the first time or the first time in a long time.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • This show has always been a part of our love story.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 11 Nov. 2025
  • The Bee’s Darrell Smith contributed to this story.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on action

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!