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 The defense secretary has previously invoked his religious identity to suggest that US military action is divinely sanctioned. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 6 May 2026 The 44-year-old actress turned Treasury Secretary wife turned filmmaker is in the middle of shooting her third feature as a director, a holiday action comedy titled Twas the Fight Before Christmas. Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026 Still, that’s faint praise for what should have been one of this year’s major breakout action roles. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 May 2026 The local riverkeeper, Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, took action. Dylan Jackson, ABC News, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • The Green Party has now gotten into trouble because a bunch of their candidates have posted antisemitic things online.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Ian Happ started things with a two-run home run in the first, extending his on-base streak to 27 games.
    Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • But talk of coups and plots doesn’t come from nowhere.
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • The men were never accused of the actual assassination, but rather putting the plot together that led to the killing and did so here in South Florida.
    Tania Francois, CBS News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • The hearing was over dueling lawsuits filed by the hospitals’ landlord and the company that operates the hospital, against one another, in Cook County Circuit Court.
    Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • The lawsuit alleges the city enforced the rule against the rainbow fence but failed to cite other noncompliant households for similar fence-color violations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • On the other side of the field, former Angel City Becki Tweed, who joined San Diego after the 2024 season, served as the interim coach for the Wave with coach Jonas Eidevall serving a one-game suspension.
    Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 10 May 2026
  • And Joly’s ability to stick in Denver and compete with Engram in camp will ultimately come down to Payton’s trust in Joly as a blocker, as Engram was on the field in a blocking role for just 18% of his snaps in 2025.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Most of the incidents that are recorded are incidents of abusive behavior.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • This validates the author’s argument that portfolio exposure reshapes corporate behavior.
    Anis Uzzaman, Fortune, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • When Bores entered the primary, in mid-autumn, his ambition seemed premature.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • But their chances have appeared to improve in recent weeks as the unpopular war with Iran and stubborn affordability issues have beleaguered GOP midterm ambitions.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • The series is not just a chronicle of the planet’s wonders but a specific act of historical homage.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • As the landscape continues to favor those who prioritize sustainable profitability alongside expansion, the retailers and brands who can master this balancing act will not only survive current market volatility but will emerge as the most attractive targets for future investment and acquisition.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Galvin later confronted the man who had messaged Kianna, who told her several different stories, according to Childs’ report.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
    Stacker, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

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