1
as in thing
something done by someone
judge people by their actions, not by their words
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
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
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5
as in behavior
actions plural
the way or manner in which one conducts oneself
observing the actions of mice in various controlled settings helps scientists understand the effects of certain drugs
Synonyms & Similar Words
6
as in ambition
readiness to engage in daring or difficult activity
the wilderness was tamed by men and women of action
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of action
Good Samaritans and an off-duty law enforcement officer stopped to help at the scene, actions officials say helped save the life of the surviving teen.
—
Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
So California’s second-largest city is set to take dramatic action.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
On Illinois Environmental Lobby Day, hundreds gathered in Springfield to push action on three environmental bills to protect wetlands, ban single-use plastics and safeguard against energy and water strains caused by the data center boom.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
While the two went into Tuesday night’s game having played together in only 17 games for a total of 249 minutes, Spoelstra said Tuesday night’s bench role was more about working Powell back up to speed after 10 days off from game action.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for action
Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
So California’s second-largest city is set to take dramatic action.
—Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
On Illinois Environmental Lobby Day, hundreds gathered in Springfield to push action on three environmental bills to protect wetlands, ban single-use plastics and safeguard against energy and water strains caused by the data center boom.
—Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
While the two went into Tuesday night’s game having played together in only 17 games for a total of 249 minutes, Spoelstra said Tuesday night’s bench role was more about working Powell back up to speed after 10 days off from game action.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
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Several teammates alluded to his ability to keep things loose in the bullpen.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Your 3rd House of Debate surges as fiery Mars arrives, pushing you to say the important thing plainly — and to move on it soon.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize.—
John Warner,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Apr. 2026
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French counterterrorism prosecutors also said the plot to ignite an explosive device outside the Paris headquarters of Bank of America appears to be linked to HAYI, but a firm link has not yet been established.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The lawsuit comes amid growing tension at the state Capitol between the Opportunity Caucus, made up of centrist Democrats, and the Progressive Caucus.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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Deputy Richard Fatherley, who is named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in Wyandotte County for his alleged role in Adair’s death.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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McIlroy followed his first-round 67 with a second-round 65 on Friday and stands 12-under 132 — six shots clear of the field.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
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Carson Benge bobbled a ball in left field, turning a leadoff single into a double for Jacob Wilson, and former Mets utilityman Jeff McNeil sent him home with a single.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Her testimony about her habits, her behavior, and her anxieties was relatable to many people.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2026
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Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma issued a second apology Tuesday night for his behavior after the Huskies’ loss to South Carolina in the Final Four last week.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The ambition is to ensure that young players do not end up on the scrapheap, but leave the game armed with their own scrapbook of skills and qualifications.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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Meaningful regime change, halting Iran's nuclear ambitions, and dismantling its ballistic missile program are all very much an open question, with some analysts saying the war has led to an even more hardline government in Tehran that may be more determined to pursue nuclear weapons.—
Greg Myre,
NPR,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The long-running series is enjoying its latest act on Netflix after previously airing on Fox and USA, tantalizing viewers by thrusting four couples due for a reckoning into an exotic locale overflowing with sultry singles whose only goal is to flirt.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
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For those who know the play well, some of Mantello’s choices are most striking, especially the horror here of the famous hotel-room scene with a tawdry lover (brutally played by Katherine Romans), an act born of loneliness that destroys a father’s relationship with his son forever.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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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.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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Her supporters, including Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, a family friend, decried her alleged detainment, and her story sparked outcry and protests.—
Victor Jacobo,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.
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