SPADEWORK Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

spadework

noun

Definition of spadework

as in effort

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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

Additionally, the workers must hand over any communications — including self-deleting texts from apps such as Signal — related to the office’s efforts to block noncitizen voting.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
The work is part of a broader effort to understand how eVTOL aircraft can share airspace and infrastructure with conventional aircraft while meeting aviation safety requirements.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

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
The enduring travails of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, landed cousins of the Montauketts in eastern Long Island, are instructive.

— Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of travail

Noun

Pressure for Britain — along with the United States, Portugal, Spain and others who profited from slavery — to pay reparations has increased in recent years as Caribbean and African nations united behind the issue.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
The king is expected to call slavery an atrocity that stains British history, but Britain’s government opposes reparations and says an apology is not on the agenda.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spadework

noun

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