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.
Yet their willingness to talk, listen, and imagine what had seemed impossible helped lay the groundwork for historic nuclear arms reductions. — Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026 Iowa Sports Betting Laws and Timeline Sports betting has been legal since August 15, 2019, but the groundwork that was laid by Senate File 617 (2019) was signed into law on May 13th, 2019. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 It’s followed immediately by one with Lee Raybon (Ethan Hawke) talking — and talking and talking — his way into and out of a confrontation that laid the groundwork for his character and the season’s plot. — Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 This autumn’s training – split between UK waters and the eastern Atlantic – lays the groundwork for more complex workouts in 2027, including NATO’s Steadfast Defender. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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