action synonyms

action

n.

  1. Any state opposed to rest and quiet

    activity, movement, operation, performance, business, occupation, work, functioning, performing, behavior, response, reaction, execution, commission, manipulation, industry, bustle, turmoil, conflict, stir, flurry, animation, vivacity, enterprise, energy, drive, liveliness, alacrity, alertness, readiness, quickness, keenness, vigor, life, dash, commotion, rush, motion, mobility, haste, speed, activism, go*, doings*, snap*. *

    Antonyms rest*, quiet*, inaction. *

  2. An individual deed

    act, deed, feat, exploit, performance, accomplishment, something done, maneuver, step, achievement, thing, blow, stroke, thrust, stratagem, effort, enterprise, endeavor, move, movement, doing, effect, transaction, exertion, operation, bout, handiwork, dealings, procedure, stunt, trick.

  3. A process at law

    suit, claim, litigation, lawsuit; see trial 2.

  4. Military activity

    battle, engagement, combat, fighting; see battle 1, 2.

  5. The plot or events in a creative work

    plot, development, progress, unfolding; see plot 2. See syn. study atbattle.

bring action

accuse, start a lawsuit, take to court; see sue.

see action

do battle, engage in combat, fight; see fight 2.

take action

become active, do, initiate activity; see act 1.

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.