Definitions

legal action

[lee-guhl ak-shuhn] / ˈli gəl ˈæk ʃən /

NOUN

judicial proceeding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

lawsuit legal proceeding litigation

WEAK

court case trial

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.

The civil suit cites neighbors’ complaints about “a voluminous amount of noxious excrement” as a major reason for the legal action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

The legal action comes during a tumultuous time for the Kennedy Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

One father, who is taking separate legal action against the clinic, told the BBC his 16-year-old son forged his mother's signature to access hormone treatment and was prescribed oestrogen without his parents' knowledge.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Leicester City, Nottingham Forest and Southampton were also reported to have considered legal action.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The Post was facing certain legal action by Nixon, and possibly fines that could cripple the company.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin