SPADEWORK Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

spadework

noun

Definition of spadework

as in effort

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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 spadework These aren’t fads or fancy frameworks, but rather daily spadework that cultivates a culture of collaborative excellence. — Doug Sundheim, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 But the loss at the Mercedes plants will almost surely slow down the union’s campaign and probably force it to do more spadework to secure the support of workers before seeking to hold elections at other auto plants. — Jack Ewing, New York Times, 17 May 2024 In this peacemaking effort, the United States would have to do almost all the spadework. — Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2024 Early spadework for the new batch of projects also dates back to the City of Cleveland’s 2004 Waterfront District Plan. — Steven Litt, cleveland, 26 Feb. 2022 See All Example Sentences for spadework

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spadework

Noun

For decades, the European Union has led the world in implementing policies designed to cut emissions, creating the world’s most important price on carbon and crafting the rules of the road for a wide range of regulatory efforts.

— Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
Pan, a pediatrician, made national headlines while in the Legislature for leading California’s efforts to enact strict school vaccine laws.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

Because amid the drudgery, Veach spent endless time one-on-one with Reid, including hours of watching video and learning the game through an entirely new lens.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026
My daily routine of placing a half dozen or so wagers of $5 to $20 feels more like drudgery than fun.

— Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of drudgery

Noun

The comedy-drama will revisit the lives and travails of the eponymous sisters.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
What happens next at first feels like a dreadful narrative misstep, seemingly reinforcing the idea that cutting oneself off from others can save them from life’s travails.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of travail

Noun

Genetic analyses, such as those used in the new Jefferson study, can help restore connections that were lost because of slavery, Harney added.

— Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026
In New England, the first act was to steal our corn and acorns and beans in 1620 and to torch our villages with men, women, and children inside and to sell the survivors into slavery.

— J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of slavery

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spades

spadework

spadeworks

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“Spadework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spadework. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spadework

noun

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