groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
Synonyms of groundworknext
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
The groundwork was done before the winter tour. —Susan Reiter

Synonyms of groundwork

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Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Just three plays later, Madsen connected with junior wideout Cam Bates for a 6-yard touchdown and a 17-10 lead that set the groundwork for Boise State to run away with the game. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026 And nine days out, the president is already laying the groundwork to challenge the results. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Scores of pages of planning documents and social media posts analyzed by Fox News Digital reveal that agitators have laid the groundwork for a coordinated campaign with money, logistics and a communications infrastructure behind their efforts. — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Governor Spanberger, a Democrat, is building on the groundwork laid by her Republican predecessor, Glenn Youngkin, rather than tearing it up. — Neil Chatterjee, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundwork

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing groundwork

Rhymes for groundwork

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Browse Nearby Words

groundwood
groundwork
ground worm
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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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