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 Other times, the sketch itself doesn't hit with the audience, but the filler dialogue or comedic actions do. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 14 Jan. 2026 And our next action and the ball movement follows. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026 The Patriots might not need Taylor this week if Tonga returns to action. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 14 Jan. 2026 Stefanski’s effective use of the play-action passing game and the zone running game could fit the Eagles’ preferred style. Zach Berman, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • The bottle is small, easy to pack, and a little goes a long way—proof that sometimes even the smallest things have a big impact.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The 606 is one of the best things about the area.
    Hannah Howard, Midwest Living, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The two plots of land up for rezoning are near Anglin Circle and Enon Avenue.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Jan. 2026
  • People are also pointing out a few plot points that aren’t resolved.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That move happened sometime after May 2024, which is when the malpractice lawsuit was first filed against McKee's Las Vegas employer.
    Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The state is fighting back with a lawsuit.
    Esme Murphy, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Coming off two straight nine-win seasons, Dykes has seen enough confirmation on the field that TCU has plenty of talent already inside the building; most of it just needs to continue to develop.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Borregales banged home a 35-yard field to give the home team a 6-3 lead heading into halftime.
    Matt Schooley, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone—including the President of the United States.
    Elle Meyers, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Last year, Turkey reached a historic turning point in its decades-long conflict with militants of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) after the group renounced violence and ambitions to secede.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The art of restraint Western brands entering China, especially its high-security capital city of Beijing, have long had to straddle a fine line between local marketing ambitions and reputational risks to the brand back home.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The prosecutor's office said a 16-year-old boy from Sayreville was arrested and charged with acts of juvenile delinquency which if committed by an adult would constitute murder, weapons charges and armed riot.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • And when unlawful acts are committed, hold individuals accountable.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This two-story home provides a generous living space with its four bedrooms and three baths.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 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.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

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