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.
In addition, Autograph Hotels for the second consecutive year will host the festival’s VIP party at the historic Algonquin Hotel, where the New Yorker’s founders gathered to lay the groundwork for the magazine more than a century ago. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026 Early settlers of the Valley constructed the Salt River's first dams and laid the groundwork for the area's future. — Alex Hager, NPR, 31 Aug. 2026 Dickson learned that at Mattel, where his work reviving Barbie helped lay the groundwork for the megahit film based on the doll. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Hospital lobbyists and leaders have begun laying the groundwork to delay, roll back, or mitigate the unwelcome cuts, which will start to take effect next year, STAT’s Daniel Payne reports today. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 27 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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