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Dictionary.com

course of action

NOUN
line
Synonyms
STRONGEST
course position program route system
STRONG
approach avenue ideology method polity practice principle procedure scheme
NOUN
plan
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrangement deal idea intention method policy procedure program project proposal strategy suggestion system treatment
STRONG
aim angle animus contrivance device disposition expedient gimmick intent layout machination meaning means orderliness outline pattern picture platform plot projection proposition purpose scenario stratagem tactics trick undertaking
WEAK
big picture game plan ground plan
Antonyms
STRONG
disorganization
NOUN
process
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action case course development growth means measure mechanism movement operation practice procedure proceeding progress rule step system technique trial way
STRONG
advance channels evolution fashion formation manner mode outgrowth performance progression routine stage suit transaction unfolding wise working
WEAK
modus operandi red tape
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cessation decline decrease idleness ignorance inaction inactivity stoppage
STRONG
failure halt
NOUN
system
Synonyms
STRONGEST
arrangement operation policy practice procedure process scheme strategy structure technique
STRONG
artifice custom fashion manner methodicalness methodology mode orderliness pattern proceeding regularity routine systematization tactics theory usage way wise
WEAK
definite plan logical process modus modus operandi orderly process systematic process
Antonyms
STRONG
reality
WEAK
cog disorder disorganization part
NOUN
way
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action approach course fashion form idea manner means measure move plan practice procedure process step style system use
STRONG
contrivance custom design expedient groove habit habitude instrument kick mode outline plot policy scheme shot stroke tack usage wont
WEAK
modus

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a different course of action, JetBlue is allowed to buy Spirit, and the prices for those flights go up a bit.

From Slate • May 5, 2026

Central banks’ first course of action when supply shocks hit is to look through them, given monetary policy’s limited effect in these scenarios.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Wardley: "It can be done. Whether it's a positive and it gives you any benefit is a different question entirely. Is it the best course of action? Probably not."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Sitting with these questions will lead you to the best course of action for you, because you are the only person who has to live with you at the end of the day.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Rosy and Gosling were pugnaciously assertive: their future course of action would be unaffected by their fifty-mile excursion into adolescent blather.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson