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
In 2025, Zuckerberg and Chan laid the groundwork to recalibrate their philanthropic organization toward AI-powered biomedical research, with a particular focus on their flagship Biohub network.
—
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Democrats claim Trump is really laying the groundwork to undermine upcoming elections.
—ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
These inflection points prompted community action as an instinct, laying the groundwork for this harrowing moment.
—Evan Minsker, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
Democrats worry the intelligence chief’s role blurs lines between national security and law enforcement, potentially laying groundwork for politically motivated claims.
—David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
Democrats claim Trump is really laying the groundwork to undermine upcoming elections.
—ABC News, 8 Feb. 2026
These inflection points prompted community action as an instinct, laying the groundwork for this harrowing moment.
—Evan Minsker, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026
Democrats worry the intelligence chief’s role blurs lines between national security and law enforcement, potentially laying groundwork for politically motivated claims.
—David Klepper, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Recent Examples of Synonyms for groundwork
Noun
-
His hands-on experience, combined with his academic background (PhD and DBA), has formed the foundation of his particular coaching style.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Since 2020, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has invested $41 million into the ThriveOn King building, grants to neighborhood nonprofits and small business loans to entrepreneurs located in the corridor, according to Jeremy Podolski, a spokesperson for the foundation.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Demonstrations are happening on a near daily basis.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Her job, which keeps you breathless even from the safety of your chair or sofa, sees her mediating between clients, company management and cleaning staff on a daily basis.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Science pointing the way to the next renaissance The cornerstone of this new era, according to Hassabis, is the application of AI to biology.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Newcomers help spur on Charlotte job growth The cornerstone of this expansion is a steady influx of new residents.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The ability to make something out of nothing may seem uniquely human — a bedrock of creativity that’s led to new kinds of art, music and more.—
Adithi Ramakrishnan,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Romero’s partnership with Micky van de Ven was the bedrock of Spurs’ success in last season’s Europa League.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/groundwork. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
