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 value of taking early action Many experts consider the new online calculator a promising addition to the repertoire of tools available to help prevent heart disease. Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026 For most people, action, cultivating a sense of agency, beats seething. Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 When did early action decisions come out? Dante Motley, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026 But regardless of the timing, this two-week stint will give Reese a chance to test her physicality in live game action — and maybe win some hardware in the process. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • For this Alaskan, the start of summer means one thing—time to plan a winter visit.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Consider introducing yourself to a neighbor, because your optimism is ideally positioned to start things off on the right foot.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Indeed, depth would only get in the way of the plot, which is primarily concerned with fooling you and fooling you again.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • That’s what this plot requires.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.
    Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Harvard sued the administration in a pair of lawsuits.
    JOCELYN GECKER, Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Maybe Romero was the perfect vice-captain under former head coach Ange Postecoglou because his fiery on-field persona balanced the calmness of Son Heung-min.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • For decades the old guard has held the line in the South, but the drumbeat of change grew like a fight song on a college football field.
    Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Andrew’s damaging behavior has left the monarchy vulnerable and fueled public mistrust.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The scale is intended to support both existing services and future AI ambitions without building separate facilities for each.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
  • That doesn’t signal a lack of ambition or commitment.
    Ashley Herd, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is something very classic about these acts.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The act of measurement seemingly makes this hazy quantumness go away, replaced by something definite and more in line with our experience of classical reality.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Besides the deceased, who appears more as a spectre in pictures, letters and memories, the men in this story take a back seat, with three generations of women at the center of the narrative.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
    Robin Opsahl, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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