1
2
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

5
6

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 Everything looked ready to crumble from there, and that was the story of the first set for Anisimova, a portrait of nerves in action. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 12 July 2025 The warning required immediate action by Orange County Global, which contracted with a vendor that same day to process the untested specimens. Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025 The 52-page decision released Friday evening by Frimpong comes after weeks of media coverage of shocking scenes of militaristic law enforcement actions unfolding across Southern California. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 12 July 2025 That’s the only chance the Hornets have to make a deep run in summer league action. Roderick Boone updated July 11, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for action
Recent Examples of Synonyms for action
Noun
  • Then, on June 12, she was awakened in the middle of the night and told to gather her things.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
  • Doing kind things for friends can be mutually beneficial.
    Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • The songs, the plot, the characters — the performances are first rate, but the actors depend deeply on the movie’s performances to inform their own — and of course the DeLorean.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
  • The plot details for episode four of The Gilded Age season three are currently under wraps for now.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • There are also still other lawsuits pending over the birthright citizenship order, in which plaintiffs are similarly trying to get class-action status in order to get around the Supreme Court’s ruling, so more court rulings against the policy may soon follow.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The lawsuit is asking the state to not require South Miami law enforcement to enter a 287(g) while also not automatically declaring a sanctuary city.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • If finding indoor shelter is not an option: Avoid open fields, the top of a hill, or a ridge top.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2025
  • Butler, Georgetown and Villanova field football teams at the FCS level, but Villanova athletic director Eric Roedl and Butler athletic director Grant Leiendecker have said explicitly that their revenue-sharing efforts will prioritize basketball.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • As for longer-simmering, perhaps more structural market behaviors that should raise eyebrows?
    Michael Santoli, CNBC, 12 July 2025
  • The unusual behavior of Grok 4, the AI model that Musk’s company xAI released late Wednesday, has surprised some experts.
    Matt O’Brien, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • However, in spite its lofty ambitions, the company never truly broke from the commission structure.
    Ilona Limonta-Volkova, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.
    Mike Dunleavy, New York Daily News, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • Forty-two years after that, Titus captured and destroyed the city of Jerusalem; that act avenged the murder of Christ.
    Mary Jo Bang July 9, Literary Hub, 9 July 2025
  • The once-famous case of Ebenezer Smith Platt reminds us that widespread attention to acts of tyranny that violate foundational rights is critical to maintaining those rights.
    Time, Time, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • This story will be updated after the men's event concludes.
    Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 5 July 2025
  • For beautiful views of the Tennessee River and Wilson Dam, head to this greenspace with a scenic 1.3-mile trail along the waterfront with interpretive displays sharing stories about Florence’s history.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Action.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/action. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on action

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!