Definition of actionnext
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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

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 Chris Cate, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the goal is to move the region from discussion to action. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026 Red Sox games on national TV The league’s national TV partners are sorted alphabetically, with the main days for MLB action listed below. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026 Early hours may feel prickly, as a tense Moon-Sun square pits enthusiastic action against sensitive emotions. Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 Simply put, time is running out for Wagner to return to action ahead of the NBA postseason. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Collins and athletic director Todd Stewart are determined for things to go much differently next season.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Part of that plot involved working through an individual whom the Iranians believed was a member of the notorious Mexican drug-trafficking gang Los Zetas.
    Colin P. Clarke, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026
  • In the pit was a tape on which the boys chronicled their plot.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lamberth was ruling on a lawsuit filed by Patsy Widakuswara, Voice of America’s White House bureau chief, and colleagues Kate Neeper and Jessica Jerreat.
    DAVID BAUDER, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In a statement, the family's attorney said that the lawsuit seeks justice for Jeffers while advocating for stronger security measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
    Frederick Sutton Sinclair, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Bruins shot a dominant 58% from the field, well outdoing the solid 43% for the Trojans.
    Sean Campbell, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Inside a conference hall roughly the size of a football field sat hundreds of people—ambassadors, politicians, and scholars.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The protest comes on the heels of the investigation in The New York Times detailing allegations of abusive behavior and exploitative labor practices inside Noma’s Copenhagen kitchen from 2009 to 2017.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Balancing robots in orbit The concept draws inspiration from everyday human behavior.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The California Democrat’s ambitions find fuel in the flames of conspiracy.
    James Kirchick, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Looking further ahead, Cronin describes ambitions for Wicked/Good to become an identifiable force in genre cinema, citing Jackson’s WingNut Films and the Weta ecosystem as a benchmark.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Emirati authorities have warned Iranian officials that such a move was under consideration, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the discussions, although no decision on whether, or when, to act has been reached.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The government insists the case has nothing to do with a free press, saying the defendants used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed China and Hong Kong.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Like mentioned previously, the staff felt incredibly in touch with the guests of the 50-story hotel, creating a personalized experience that is a feat for the size of the hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The full text for this story was provided via a press release from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
    Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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