Antonyms for action
ˈæk ʃənac·tion

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. actionnoun

   An act is strictly and originally something accomplished by an exercise of power, in which sense it is synonymous with deed or effect. Action is a doing. Act is therefore single, individual, momentary; action a complex of acts, or a process, state, or habit of exerting power. We say a virtuous act, but rather a virtuous course of action. We speak of the action of an acid upon a metal, not of its act. Act is used, also, for the simple exertion of power; as, an act of will. In this sense an act does not necessarily imply an external effect, while an action does. Morally, the act of murder is in the determination to kill; legally, the act is not complete without the striking of the fatal blow. Act and deed are both used for the thing done, but act refers to the power put forth, deed to the result accomplished; as, a voluntary act, a bad deed. In connection with other words act is more usually qualified by the use of another noun, action by an adjective preceding; we may say a kind act, though oftener an act of kindness, but only a kind action, not an action of kindness. As between act and deed, deed is commonly used of great, notable, and impressive acts, as are achievement, exploit, and feat.

   Festus: We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths.

   Bailey Festus, A Country Town, sc. 7.

   A feat exhibits strength, skill, personal power, whether mental or physical, especially the latter; as, a feat of arms, a feat of memory. An exploit is a conspicuous or glorious deed, involving valor or heroism, usually combined with strength, skill, loftiness of thought, and readiness of resource; an achievement is the doing of something great and noteworthy; an exploit is brilliant, but its effect may be transient; an achievement is solid, and its effect enduring. Act and action are both in contrast to all that is merely passive and receptive. The intensest action is easier than passive endurance.

   Antonyms:
   cessation, deliberation, endurance, immobility, inaction, inactivity, inertia, passion (In philosophic sense), quiescence, quiet, repose, rest, suffering, suspension

   Synonyms:
   accomplishment, achievement, act, consummation, deed, doing, effect, execution, exercise, exertion, exploit, feat, motion, movement, operation, performance, proceeding, transaction, work

Matched Categories

1. • Act
   • Challenge
   • Complete
   • Drive
   • Effect
   • Group Action
   • Mechanism
   • Military
   • Plot
   • Process
   • State

Princeton's WordNetRate these antonyms:3.5 / 2 votes

1. actionnoun

   something done (usually as opposed to something said)

   "there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inaction, inactiveness

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

2. action, activity, activenessnoun

   the state of being active

   "his sphere of activity"; "he is out of action"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inaction, inactiveness

   Synonyms:
   bodily function, activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, bodily process, military action, action mechanism, body process, action at law

3. military action, actionnoun

   a military engagement

   "he saw action in Korea"

   Antonyms:
   inaction, inactiveness, inactivity

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

4. natural process, natural action, action, activitynoun

   a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)

   "the action of natural forces"; "volcanic activity"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inaction, inactiveness

   Synonyms:
   bodily function, activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, bodily process, military action, action mechanism, body process, action at law

5. actionnoun

   the series of events that form a plot

   "his novels always have a lot of action"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inaction, inactiveness

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

6. actionnoun

   the trait of being active and energetic and forceful

   "a man of action"

   Antonyms:
   inaction, inactiveness, inactivity

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

7. action, action mechanismnoun

   the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism

   "the piano had a very stiff action"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inactiveness, inaction

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

8. legal action, action, action at lawnoun

   a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inactiveness, inaction

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

9. actionnoun

   an act by a government body or supranational organization

   "recent federal action undermined the segregationist position"; "the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues"; "the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves"

   Antonyms:
   inactivity, inaction, inactiveness

   Synonyms:
   activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

10. actionverb

    the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field

    "the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds"; "gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible"

    Antonyms:
    inaction, inactivity, inactiveness

    Synonyms:
    activeness, natural action, natural process, legal action, activity, military action, action mechanism, action at law

11. action, sue, litigate, processverb

    institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against

    "He was warned that the district attorney would process him"; "She actioned the company for discrimination"

    Antonyms:
    inactiveness, inactivity, inaction

    Synonyms:
    process, accomplish, execute, work, serve, carry through, swear out, fulfil, work on, carry out, sue, treat, march, fulfill, litigate

12. carry through, accomplish, execute, carry out, action, fulfill, fulfilverb

    put in effect

    "carry out a task"; "execute the decision of the people"; "He actioned the operation"

    Antonyms:
    inactiveness, inaction, inactivity

    Synonyms:
    follow out, carry out, fulfill, follow through, implement, litigate, execute, reach, put to death, accomplish, fulfil, go through, meet, fill, follow up, process, satisfy, carry through, put through, run, pull through, attain, sue, achieve, do, bring through, perform, save, live up to

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. actionnoun

   Antonyms:
   inaction, stagnation, inactivity, inertia

   Synonyms:
   agency, operation, movement, activity

2. actionnoun

   Antonyms:
   inaction, stagnation, inactivity, inertia

   Synonyms:
   conduct, behavior, deportment, deeds, (Law) lawsuit, litigation, suit

How to use action in a sentence?

1. Hillary Holley:

   Fair Fight Action's work with dedicated voting rights activists throughout Georgia has led to enormous gains in voter registrations in our state -- particularly among voters of color, who have helped spearhead advocacy for critical federal voting rights legislation to protect our democracy while also blocking Republicans' most dangerous anti-voter proposals in state legislatures, now, with the GOP's voter suppression campaign ramping up in state houses across the country, Fair Fight Action is proud to join with Michelle Obama and When We All Vote alongside other civil and voting rights organizations to fight back against Republicans' anti-voter agenda. We're ready to work with our allies to recruit new volunteers and keep organizing Americans to push for the Senate to pass new federal protections for voting rights at a time when we need them more than ever.

2. Erik Pevernagie:

   If we don't want to be only expecting things to become real and if we don't want to be just waiting for the beautiful and the good to come, we can decide to be inventive and take things in our own hands by a voluntary action.

3. Vadym Skibitsky:

   The Russian Federation will continue to pursue offensive action because it has failed in its primary goal: the full occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

4. Dick Cheney:

   I don't expect military action but it is anyone's guess. It's the Middle East.

5. AiR:

   Karma is nothing but the law of action. Whatever is our action, so will be the reaction. If we plant a tomato, we shouldn’t expect a mango. What we reap is what we sow!

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