Antonyms for "were in action" may include terms such as "inactive," "idle," "resting," or "unproductive." These words often refer to a lack of movement, progress, or activity. In contrast, "were in action" implies a sense of movement, engagement, or productivity. Antonyms of "were in action" may be used to describe situations where nothing is occurring or individuals who are not actively participating in an activity. These terms can also be used to describe a state of rest, relaxation, or inactivity. Overall, antonyms for "were in action" represent a lack of participation or involvement in a particular activity or event.