as in foundation
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of groundwork
Spain under Franco’s regime, a group of young women defy societal norms to play football, finding an unlikely ally and laying the groundwork for the future of women’s football.
—
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
In important ways, the 1920s and 1930s laid vital groundwork for later and better-known radical movements.
—Tony Wood, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Together, the two votes laid the groundwork for Kansas City to solidify its offer to the Royals, potentially securing the team’s home for the next three decades.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Shirin continues to expose abuses in Iran and is now helping lay the groundwork for the future.
—Jody Williams, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
In important ways, the 1920s and 1930s laid vital groundwork for later and better-known radical movements.
—Tony Wood, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
Together, the two votes laid the groundwork for Kansas City to solidify its offer to the Royals, potentially securing the team’s home for the next three decades.
—Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Shirin continues to expose abuses in Iran and is now helping lay the groundwork for the future.
—Jody Williams, Time, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for groundwork
Noun
-
That data became the foundation for a training plan built specifically for her physiology.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The foundation has awarded $25 million in scholarships since 2012, according to KFC CEO Scott Mezvinsky, who said the program reflects the values of the company's founder.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Following Dansby Swanson’s second of a season-high three walks, Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering got two strikes on Ballesteros with the bases loaded in the scoreless fifth.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Hartigan succeeds Jane Carpenter-Rock, who has led SAAM on an interim basis since September 2024, when Stephanie Stebich was removed as director and reassigned to an advisory role at the Smithsonian Institution.—
Harrison Jacobs,
ARTnews.com,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Food and drink Healthy nutrition is one of the cornerstones of the SHA integrative method.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Long recognized as a cornerstone of Kansas City’s Black cultural and musical history, the district provides a setting that connects contemporary artists to a legacy rooted in jazz, blues and R&B, while also embracing newer forms such as hip-hop and spoken word.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The unusual arrangement is 100+ years strong and a bedrock of the Chincoteague community.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Gan said any negotiations would implicitly undermine the bedrock principle of international law that ships must be allowed to navigate international waters unimpeded.—
Chris Wellisz,
semafor.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/groundwork. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
