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
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Recent Examples of action figures
The toy maker has a deal with Disney to supply Toy Story 5 action figures and other product around a tentpole release later this year, and also has a KPop Demon Hunters doll line based on the Netflix franchise.
—
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026
The companies plan to release action figures, playsets and accessories, vehicles, games, collectibles, role play and other offerings via multiple retailers.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
In the movie’s first dramatic scene, achingly redolent of memory, the brothers—the older is eleven, the younger eight—loll in front of their family’s house, snacking, grousing, playing with paper action figures, trying to fill the solitude and the silence around them with banter and bravado.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
These small action figures, which can be physically folded and clicked into place, offer a brief break from the constant screen tapping many kids do at mealtimes.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026
Keep scrolling for a first look at the new line and official descriptions, and for exclusive photos of Galitzine, Mendes, and Brie with their action figures.
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
There are action figures, keychains, minifigs, Polly Pocket versions and even American Girl Dolls.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 10 Feb. 2026
The companies plan to release action figures, playsets and accessories, vehicles, games, collectibles, role play and other offerings via multiple retailers.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Feb. 2026
In the movie’s first dramatic scene, achingly redolent of memory, the brothers—the older is eleven, the younger eight—loll in front of their family’s house, snacking, grousing, playing with paper action figures, trying to fill the solitude and the silence around them with banter and bravado.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026
These small action figures, which can be physically folded and clicked into place, offer a brief break from the constant screen tapping many kids do at mealtimes.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 4 Feb. 2026
Keep scrolling for a first look at the new line and official descriptions, and for exclusive photos of Galitzine, Mendes, and Brie with their action figures.
—Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Jan. 2026
There are action figures, keychains, minifigs, Polly Pocket versions and even American Girl Dolls.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action figures
dolls
Noun
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The toy maker said worldwide gross billings for dolls, infant, toddler and preschool products were down.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Feb. 2026
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For much of the nineteenth century, dolls were made at home from corn husks, clothing scraps, and the like, or produced from expensive, fragile bisque porcelain and kept high up on shelves to be admired by grownup collectors, not pawed by clumsy kids.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Action figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action%20figures. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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