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

Leaders need to define an agent’s identity, objectives, memory, authority, accountability and ability to initiate appropriate actions. — Hope Frank, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

The camera control button returns, along with the programmable action button. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

In its deliberations, several committee members said that the players and administration are new and should not be punished for the past actions of others. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

From students like York all the way to the upper echelons of the Republican Party, Kirk's death was seen as a call to action. — Elena Moore, NPR, 10 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing action

• action figure
• piece of the action