as in foundation
an immaterial thing upon which something else rests
they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 groundwork
The 1956 Federal-Aid Highway Act, passed just two years after Brown v. Board of Education outlawed segregation in public schools, laid the groundwork for the physical reshaping of American cities.
—
Deborah N. Archer, Time, 21 May 2025
Those comments led many to point fingers at Riley for laying the groundwork for the rivalry’s possible demise.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
His experiments laid the groundwork for ChatGPT, released in 2022.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
The defense deal lays the groundwork for Britain to eventually become a bigger part of European defense efforts, including a 150 billion euro loan program for joint procurement and investment.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Deborah N. Archer, Time, 21 May 2025
Those comments led many to point fingers at Riley for laying the groundwork for the rivalry’s possible demise.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2025
His experiments laid the groundwork for ChatGPT, released in 2022.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
The defense deal lays the groundwork for Britain to eventually become a bigger part of European defense efforts, including a 150 billion euro loan program for joint procurement and investment.
—Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for groundwork
Noun
-
Such knowledge, fully consistent with patriotism, provides an indispensable foundation for debates about contemporary issues.—
James T. Kloppenberg,
Time,
28 May 2025
-
When trust erodes, so does the foundation for data sharing that powers our innovation economy.—
Nick Hart,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
These wooden cabins were then placed on trucks and driven to locations near the bases.—
Benjamin Brown,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
-
The drones were transported to Russia and stored in trucks carrying cargo units with retractable roofs that were parked near the air bases and launched remotely.—
Sonam Sheth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 June 2025
Noun
-
While Cox’s commanding presence was a cornerstone of the series, Pascal’s situation is uniquely different.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
28 May 2025
-
This partnership has already facilitated talent exchanges and crossover events, with the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide show being a cornerstone of this new era, aiming to showcase the best of both promotions.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 2025
Noun
-
Donaldson’s books have been the bedrock of the BBC’s annual Christmas specials, with this being the 13th to be adapted.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
-
In the volcanic bedrock of the Andes, arsenic is naturally abundant and leaches into the drinking water.—
Kermit Pattison,
Scientific American,
20 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/groundwork. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share