as in dolls
a small figure often of a human being used especially as a child's plaything
a collection of action figures of his favorite superheroes
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of action figures
In 1987, Masters of the Universe, the first live-action movie based on the Mattel action figures, was released in theaters.
—
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
While Langella struts around his castle delivering deliriously overblown dialogue, Lundgren displays about as much emotion as the plastic toy action figures the movie is based on.
—Jeffrey Ressner, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
From action figures to the big screen, He-Man has never been just one thing.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 June 2026
The characters of Prince Adam, He-Man’s alter ego, dressed in a pink vest and seen by some fans as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, and Orko, a blundering extraterrestrial wizard who helps the prince, were introduced as action figures in 1984.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
In theaters May 29 By the power of Grayskull, He-Man is back on the big screen in Mattel’s live-action revival of their beloved action figures, proving that 1980s culture never dies.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
That could spell the end of the line for Sporkey, Rex, Hamm, Bo Peep and the other dolls and action figures that once delighted Bonnie.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Marvel action figures and signs coat the dining the room.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
While Vu survived, Aaron, who loved Street Fighter action figures and Beats by Dre headphones, didn’t.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026
While Langella struts around his castle delivering deliriously overblown dialogue, Lundgren displays about as much emotion as the plastic toy action figures the movie is based on.
—Jeffrey Ressner, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
From action figures to the big screen, He-Man has never been just one thing.
—Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 June 2026
The characters of Prince Adam, He-Man’s alter ego, dressed in a pink vest and seen by some fans as an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, and Orko, a blundering extraterrestrial wizard who helps the prince, were introduced as action figures in 1984.
—Sanat Pai Raikarall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 May 2026
In theaters May 29 By the power of Grayskull, He-Man is back on the big screen in Mattel’s live-action revival of their beloved action figures, proving that 1980s culture never dies.
—Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
That could spell the end of the line for Sporkey, Rex, Hamm, Bo Peep and the other dolls and action figures that once delighted Bonnie.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
Marvel action figures and signs coat the dining the room.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
While Vu survived, Aaron, who loved Street Fighter action figures and Beats by Dre headphones, didn’t.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action figures
dolls
Noun
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Inside, Sophie loves to play with her baby dolls and stuffed animals.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
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Felicity, Addy, Kirsten and Samantha — across Hill House Home’s signature silhouettes for adults, children and dolls.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Action figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action%20figures. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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