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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 DeBarge was a full-time college shortstop, but he’s seen most of his action this season at second base, along with some shortstop, center field and left field reps. Aaron Gleeman, New York Times, 14 May 2025 The city’s appeal of the arbitrator’s ruling has been the subject of court action since then and is one of the cases that would have been settled by approval of the $915,000 settlement. Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025 While much of the early morning action in cities centers around local residents, travelers can easily get in on the fun as well. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025 These are among several actions that have positioned Algeria — which now views tourism as an imperative for sustainable development — to slowly open up to the world. Angela Dansby, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Instead of approaching them and giving them the opportunity to say mean things to you, consider trying to make friends with other girls -- girls who might like to be friends with you too.
    Mark Mondier, Arkansas Online, 18 May 2025
  • People take their time and there is this thing called personal boundaries.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • The more than 2 million people who attended Lady Gaga’s free concert on Copacabana Beach on May 3, 2025, had no idea of a plot that, if successful, would have turned the event into a tragedy fueled by hate.
    Arthur Coelho Bezerra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
  • From people on TikTok discussing the lavender marriages in their own families to the plot of the 2025 Wedding Banquet remake starring Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang, the ways that people have sought to survive broader societal homophobia are top of mind for many LGBTQ+ people today.
    Mikelle Street, Them., 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The administration argues that, for now, Trump should be able to impose the change on everyone except the eighteen parents named in the lawsuits or, at most, any member of two immigrant rights groups or residents of a state that challenged the policy.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 May 2025
  • But in others cases, the waste-haulers have the landowners’ permission to dump — but are disposing waste that should be going to landfills equipped to handle household and industrial waste, lawsuits claim.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • Both teams’ trainers joined EMS to get him onto a cart and off the field.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025
  • Patrick, 29, and Brady, 47 — who have a history, both on and off the field — snapped a photo together at the exclusive bash, which was held at Carbone Miami on South Beach.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Based on their past behavior, cicadas from Brood XIV will likely make their appearances in 14 states, said Gene Kritsky, founder of Cicada Safari, a group that gathers data on the insects.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Similarly, 50% reported that anxiety over the current political climate is influencing their own career plans while 40% said that anxiety is affecting their behavior at their current role.
    Eva Epker, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Their tumultuous relationship unfolds across five films as their personal differences, family drama, and professional ambitions create obstacles to their happily ever after.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
  • Every year, there’s growth— in ambition, quality, quantity, and geographic reach.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Balancing family and business is often framed as an impossible juggling act—one where something always has to give.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Brought in as a response to 66 fans losing their lives in a crush at Ibrox four years earlier, the act (known as the Green Guide) introduced a compulsory licensing system for grounds in the top two divisions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • 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.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • This story was originally published May 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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