Definition of actionnext
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 Preparations for Las Vegas Summer League are on the horizon — the Hornets are the defending champions after winning the title for the first time in 2025 — and their first action takes place in the desert in just over two weeks. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 These smart sports glasses integrate an action camera, open-ear headphones, walkie-talkie and premium lenses into a single device that remains remarkably lightweight. New Atlas, 24 June 2026 The cuts between Corlys and Alyn (Abubakar Salim), Lohar and Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), Jace and Baela and Rheana, are all more like 20 or 30 seconds before we’re shifted into the next line of action. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 June 2026 Eastland, a registered nurse since 2008 and Camp Mystic's chief health officer for 16 years, neither admitted nor denied the allegations but agreed to disciplinary action. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • But an Iran agreement that allows those barrels to come back into stockpiles, and actually refilling the inventories, are two separate things.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Kylee explained that Aven eventually ended things again, citing the damage done to their relationship.
    Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Jinx's scheme gets a convenient helping hand when NASA — for the benefit of the plot — allows the kids to sit in an actual shuttle during an actual engine test.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 27 June 2026
  • Cover crops, once rare, are now much more common, from the cooperative's member plots to estates like La Reynardière, which gives up seven or eight percent of its yield to them in the bet that living soils send roots deeper for water.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Even Mamdani, who had campaigned on the idea of dropping his predecessor’s lawsuit and opposition, has come around and is holding firm as the Council insists on some $300 million in additional costs a year.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court on Thursday on behalf of Abby Grizzell, of Lee’s Summit, who attorneys said was bowled over and trampled by a group of youths on June 6.
    Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Follow live updates and coverage on the 2026 World Cup games as the field get settled before the knockout round begins.
    NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
  • Olympic gold medalist Arisa Trew secured her second winning result of the weekend with a switch McTwist — a 540-degree twist taking off from her opposite side while grabbing the middle of the board — during women’s vert best trick, which featured a field of athletes averaging only 16 1/2 years old.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • As the race progressed, Schlossberg received heavy media scrutiny by The New York Times with reports of high turnover inside his campaign and allegations of erratic behavior.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • In other words, sourcing behaviors are not so much changing as shifting geographically.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Are foggy relationships clouding your goals and ambitions?
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • In Colima city for coffee and a nice meal, visitors should bookmark Puerto Café and Cumbre, a restaurant and bakery that stands out in a scene of growing maturity and ambition.
    Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • Special guest Frzy will join the two musical acts at Point State Park for a concert with a theme of celebrating educators and innovators.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Baker’s portrayal emphasizes how creativity becomes an act of defiance against exclusion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The Sacramento Bee published several notable stories Friday covering local government, public health and state worker policy.
    Ruyuan Li. Summary produced by AI assistance, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • 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.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on action

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster