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

He was tapped into the Loop initiative earlier this year as part of Miami City Commissioner Ralph Rosado’s efforts to revive the dormant plans.

— Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 14 Nov. 2026
The Rangers’ effort was made even more remarkable by the return of quarterback Keaton Rose, who battled leukemia before making his way back under the Friday Night Lights.

— Ryan Hunt, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Nov. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

This clinical-grade system targets multiple layers of skin at once to revive dullness, fatigue and soften deep lines.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
My symptoms aren't on the bowel cancer poster, other than weight loss and fatigue, but many women are tired anyway.

— Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of fatigue

Noun

The chore jacket became a signature style of one Harry Styles, who has long been a champion of the humble bleu de travail, the blue cotton work jacket originally worn by French laborers.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Nov. 2026
In 2007, a mediator determined that despite fiscal travails, Vallejo couldn’t reduce the size of its fire department.

— Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of travail

Noun

The history of plantations across the southern United States is inseparable from one of the darkest chapters of American history—slavery.

— The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 11 Nov. 2026
Staunch slavery opponent John Frémont duked it out with William Gwin, a former plantation owner who sought to cleave off Southern California as its own slave state.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of slavery

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spades

spadework

spadeworks

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Style

“Spadework.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spadework. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of spadework

noun

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