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

The discovery is a huge victory for conservation efforts across the Indian Ocean.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
In yet another battle between the states and social media platforms, Florida asked a state judge to order changes on Instagram and Facebook in an effort to protect young users.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of effort

Noun

Plastic, prefabrication and push-button convenience suggested that mass production could bring elegant, futuristic living — and freedom from drudgery — within reach of the masses.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of drudgery

Noun

Tactics such as ragebait have only added to the fatigue, irritating enthusiasts already frustrated by the relentless churn of slop.

— Amy Francombe, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
That kind of anecdotal genre fatigue doesn’t establish an industry surplus — but the sentiment does suggest that even devoted horror fans sometimes need help pacing themselves.

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fatigue

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

Six months later, the ratification of the 13th Amendment permanently ended slavery in the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026
Many abolitionists and Quakers – who fought to ban slavery – initially supported the colonization society’s removal efforts as a means for helping Black residents escape the cruelty of American laws, especially the Fugitive Slave Acts.

— Karen Masterson, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of spadework

noun

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