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Dictionary.com

in action

ADJECTIVE
practical
Synonyms
STRONGEST
businesslike constructive down-to-earth efficient factual feasible functional possible practicable pragmatic rational reasonable sane sensible sober workable
WEAK
applied both feet on the ground commonsensical doable empirical experimental handy hard-boiled implicit in operation matter-of-fact nuts and bolts operative orderly serviceable solid sound systematic unidealistic unromantic usable utile utilitarian virtual workaday working
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excited impossible impractical inefficient irrational unattainable unfeasible unlikely unrealistic unreasonable unsound unworkable
WEAK
incapable inexperienced unproficient unseasoned unserviceable unskilled untrained useless worthless
ADJECTIVE
running
Synonyms
STRONGEST
constant functioning working
STRONG
active cursive dynamic executing going live moving operative proceeding producing smooth
WEAK
alive easy effortless fluent in operation in succession incessant perpetual together unbroken unceasing uninterrupted
Antonyms
STRONG
apathetic immobile inactive unexciting
WEAK
broken discontinuous intermittent occasional

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.

Instead of intercontinental ballistic missiles, armored vehicles and other military hardware, parade goers were shown a video of that equipment, either in action in Ukraine or being tested for readiness.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

He’s still deciding whether he’ll buy any tickets for himself to catch the Knicks in action.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

When women see that in action, it re-establishes the eternal truth that regardless of what they do, they cannot ever feel entirely safe — not in public and not in their relationships.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2026

"But we haven't previously had such a clear picture of the process in action," she says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 29, 2026

This was Oppenheimer’s intellectual arrogance, his least endearing quality, in action.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik