Synonyms of action

action

noun

ˈak-shən 

1

as in thing

something done by someone

judge people by their actions, not by their words

Synonyms & Similar Words

• thing
• act
• doing
• deed
• achievement
• feat
• accomplishment
• experience
• activity
• exploit
• adventure
• initiative
• performance
• attainment
• work
• undertaking
• proceeding
• enterprise
• operation
• move
• procedure
• stunt
• tactic
• maneuver
• step
• dealing
• trick
• handiwork
• emprise
• measure
• coaction

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

• plot
• story
• story line
• development
• plan
• arc
• subject
• theme
• design
• scheme
• outline
• subplot
• argument
• mythos

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

• lawsuit
• proceeding
• suit
• complaint
• litigation
• cause
• case
• counterclaim
• cross action
• cross-claim
• countersuit

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

• field
• attack
• combat
• fire
• hostilities
• battle
• operations
• warfare
• firefight
• duty
• service
• pitched battle
• single combat

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

• behavior
• conduct
• presence
• address
• deportment
• demeanor
• comportment
• bearing
• geste
• attitude
• posture
• practice
• habit
• manners
• pose
• pattern
• form
• mode
• aspect
• etiquette
• characteristic
• carriage
• air
• rules
• decorum
• style
• proprieties
• look
• poise
• protocol
• civility
• politeness
• convention
• mores
• custom
• courtesy
• trait
• attribute
• formality
• fashion
• affectation
• amenity
• mien
• trick
• singularity
• uniqueness
• peculiarity
• wont
• weirdness
• distinctiveness
• habitude
• strangeness
• p's and q's
• oddity
• mark

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

• ambition
• initiative
• drive
• enterprise
• aggressiveness
• spirit
• go
• hustle
• vigor
• energy
• grit
• gumption
• spunk
• starch
• pluck
• assertiveness
• killer instinct
• pep
• self-reliance
• vitality
• snap
• ambitiousness
• overambitiousness
• hardihood

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inertia
• passivity
• inactivity
• hesitation
• reluctance
• timidity
• diffidence
• lethargy
• laziness
• faintheartedness
• indolence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of action

But Collins was pushed around in the preseason opener in his first action since offseason shoulder surgery. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

No one really knows exactly when Pierce will return to action. — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Abbott has since changed course by promising tougher action, such as removing the state’s sales tax exemption and holding up projects to review their energy usage. — Jesse Bedayn, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

According to Ajit Gopalakrishnan of the Connecticut State Department of Education, students served through LEAP improve their rate of attendance by double digits on average and receive fewer disciplinary actions. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing action

• action figure
• piece of the action