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.

If they didn’t there would be consequences: dismissal or resignation, and sometimes legal action.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

Nine universities have begun legal action against the government in a row over students being asked to repay loans as soon as possible.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The article included comments from Trump, who denied writing the letter and threatened legal action.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Swalwell and his team threatened legal action against several individuals, Swalwell’s attorney Elias Dabaie confirmed to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

My first letter, Dear Mrs. O’Brien, Inasmuch as you have not seen fit to pay me what you owe me I may be forced to resort to legal action.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt