Phrase guide

in action

adj · prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

In operation; active.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Seeing a steam engine in action is increasingly rare.
  • After a month in hospital, the reporter is back in action.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: at play, at work

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

In combat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He was wounded in action in his second tour.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: at war, in arms, in country

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.