Definition of actionnext
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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

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 The sheriff said the child's father later confronted Duggar about the incidents on March 17 and the reality TV alum admitted to his actions to law enforcement in the city of Tontitown in northern Washington County, Arkansas. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026 Like the rest of the interview, Murrell brushed off his actions with another joke. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 25 Mar. 2026 Atkinson’s own actions didn’t seem to match his message. Joe Vardon, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026 Robinson is one of several professors in recent years who have faced disciplinary action over pro-Palestinian comments. Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • People have guns as a hobby, as a social thing.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Katie Schoeberl, Welniak’s cousin, made her mark as a volleyball player at Marist, but before that, was a pitcher for the Beverly Bandits and taught Welniak a few things about the sport.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The complaint says Heifler spent weeks discussing the plot with the undercover law enforcement official, and at one point went to scope out Kiswani's home.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Dubbed Crest Nine, the project has turned a steep hillside plot into a luxury health destination.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Around this time Denise and Aaron filed a civil lawsuit against the City of Vallejo claiming defamation and emotional distress.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • This article quotes from and is based largely on records from three lawsuits against formula manufacturers that went to trial in 2024 and are now on appeal.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Ridden Saturday for the first time by jockey Flavien Prat, Commandment dropped back to last in the field of six midway through the 1 1/8-mile stakes, content to allow the others to contest the pace.
    Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Through adoptions, education, outreach, and field services, the shelter provides critical support to promote responsible pet care in the community.
    Janay Reece, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • He was picked up in Tontitown, Arkansas, where the family lives, and charged with one count of lewd and lascivious behavior for molestation of a victim under age 12, and another count of lewd and lascivious behavior conducted by a person 18 years or older.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The academic research will focus on college student gambling behaviors ranging from card games to proposition betting and prediction markets.
    MICHAEL GOLDBERG Mississippi Today, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Executives view the war with Iran as a short-term freeze on their ambitions in the Middle East, rather than a fundamental deterrent, Denis Depoux, global managing director at Germany’s Roland Berger, said Thursday on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia.
    Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Pop Mart's Chief Operating Officer, Si De, spoke with CNBC about the company's systematic approach to artists and products — and its ambitions beyond Labubu.
    Elaine Yu, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Alongside the conference programme, the SXSW London Music Festival will showcase more than 200 artists, spanning emerging voices and established acts such as Tiwa Savage, ODUMODUBLVCK, Rachel Chinouriri and Circa Waves.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The amphitheater, where bandleader Cesar LaMonaca led an orchestra under the moonlight for nearly 50 years, was gone, eventually replaced and moved a bit north and booked with acts of the day.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For more than four decades, the Korean immigrant has worked at the shop near Travis Air Force Base, hearing countless stories of loss, sacrifice and heartbreak from military families and service members.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Paxton told stories about running for office for the first time and his 2023 impeachment.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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