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

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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 Tasks spanned from basic pick-and-place actions to more advanced, multi-step activities such as slicing an apple or assembling a breakfast tray. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026 Still, independent researcher Weiss-Blatt insisted that the views and actions of groups like Pause AI and Stop AI can still lead to radicalization, which can, in turn, lead to bad outcomes. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 The Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees will form an ad hoc committee to evaluate the performance of Chancellor Marvin Martinez, following a second meeting in closed session including potential disciplinary action or dismissal as an option to discuss. Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2026 For all the late drama, the 120 minutes of live action was a scoreless slog, an indication that both teams played league games on the road Saturday. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Its deals fund films that sit squarely inside the traditional ecosystem — the furthest thing from multi-platform IP factories or content engines.
    Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 15 Apr. 2026
  • This is layered safety, things that can be done to implement better conditions for everyone.
    Kaicey Baylor, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The plot that spins from this opening includes a series of events involving philosophy, parenting, mental health, disability, romance and international art terrorism that would take several columns worth to summarize.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • French counterterrorism prosecutors also said the plot to ignite an explosive device outside the Paris headquarters of Bank of America appears to be linked to HAYI, but a firm link has not yet been established.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The lawsuit comes amid growing tension at the state Capitol between the Opportunity Caucus, made up of centrist Democrats, and the Progressive Caucus.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Deputy Richard Fatherley, who is named as a defendant in the federal lawsuit, is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in Wyandotte County for his alleged role in Adair’s death.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • McIlroy followed his first-round 67 with a second-round 65 on Friday and stands 12-under 132 — six shots clear of the field.
    Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Carson Benge bobbled a ball in left field, turning a leadoff single into a double for Jacob Wilson, and former Mets utilityman Jeff McNeil sent him home with a single.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The initial allegations against Swalwell date back to 2019 and 2024; they were followed with other allegations of inappropriate behavior made by other women.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • These devices can actively stimulate real brain cells, going beyond just replicating neural behavior in theory.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The White House said Iran’s nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Vice President Vance, Washington's lead negotiator, said a major sticking point that led to the breakdown in Saturday's talks was Iran's refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear ambitions.
    NPR Staff, NPR, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Jimmie Fowlie and Ceara O’Sullivan’s script relies on formulaic coming-of-age beats before drifting unexpectedly into absurdism in the third act.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The filing alleges Hayes fired without warning and that Avery did not pose an immediate threat, was not advancing toward anyone, and was not engaging in any violent act at the time.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That means the street-facing facades cannot be changed although some features, like the second- and third-story windows bricked over by Owen Beidelman, could be restored.
    Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 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.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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