course of action

noun phrase

: the actions to be taken
We're trying to determine the best course of action at this point.

Examples of course of action in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Deaton notes that the best course of action for smaller infestations is to prune out the affected area to prevent the pests from spreading and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a blast of soapy water. — The Spruce, 21 July 2026 The Trail Blazers’ board of directors meets Monday and will address the term sheet to determine a course of action. — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026 In her introductory press conference in April, Meyers said her first course of action would be to review the district’s curriculum and make sure teachers feel supported. — Samuel O’Neal 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026 Contact your pharmacist for the best course of action—prednisolone eye drops should not be stopped suddenly. — Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for course of action

Rhymes for course of action

See All Rhymes for course of action

Browse Nearby Words

course load
course of action
course of events
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Course of action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/course%20of%20action. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All