groundwork

noun

ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
Definition of groundworknext
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

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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 The messaging could lay the groundwork for possible future military demonstrations, including missile tests or displays of undersea strike capabilities, said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies. — Reuters, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026 Their experiences and connections can help lay the groundwork for a successful transition. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Last summer, flight attendants at Air Canada, the country’s largest carrier, stranded more than 100,000 travelers during peak travel season with a strike partly over the same issue of unpaid groundwork. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Commercial groundwork expands Flight demonstrations represent only one part of Archer’s preparation for commercial service. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for groundwork
  1. foundation
  2. basis
  3. cornerstone
  4. bedrock
Noun
  • Historical background The complexities of Pennsylvania’s system of municipalities go back to its foundation as a colony in the 17th century.
    — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The organization is funded through Howard County government, state and federal grants, private foundations, and contributions from individuals, community groups, the faith community and local businesses.
    — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of foundation
Noun
  • Despite his failures to win the big games, Franklin won at a level plenty of schools and fan bases would welcome.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In an attempt to combat the limited water supply, the Puerto Rican government is turning off residents’ access to the necessity on a rotating 48-hour basis.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of basis
Noun
  • Take a left on the president of the Confederacy who made the torture of Black bodies the cornerstone of his new nation.
    — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Both candidates see modernizing the office’s systems and expanding access to the public as cornerstones of their campaigns.
    — Cristóbal Reyes, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cornerstone
Noun
  • That means people are still making $22,200 less than what's needed to purchase what's often defined as a bedrock of the American Dream while remaining financially comfortable.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Such honesty could be the bedrock for a global effort to both reap the rewards of AI and rein in its worst aspects.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of bedrock

Browse Nearby Words

ground swells
groundwork
groundworks
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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/groundwork. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

Nglish: Translation of groundwork for Spanish Speakers

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