grounds
10 synonyms for grounds, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Reasons or justification for something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
reasons
curtilage
How to use grounds
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on the grounds that
school grounds
coffee grounds
Etymology
For this form's origin, see the etymology given under its corresponding lemma.
Full origin of grounds →Frequently asked questions
What does “grounds” mean?
The word “grounds” means reasons or justification for something. In plain terms, reasons for something, the land around a building, or leftover solid bits at the bottom of a drink.
How do you pronounce “grounds”?
“Grounds” is pronounced growndz (/ɡɹaʊndz/ in IPA).
How do you use “grounds” in a sentence?
Here is “grounds” used in a sentence: “She had grounds for filing a complaint.”
What part of speech is “grounds”?
“Grounds” is a noun.
Is “grounds” a common word?
“Grounds” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “grounds” have?
“Grounds” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: reasons or justification for something.
What is an example of grounds for something?
Grounds are the reasons that justify an action or decision. Common examples include grounds for divorce, grounds for dismissal from a job, or grounds for appeal in a court case. In each, the word points to the accepted reasons that make the action valid or defensible.
What is the difference between grounds and reasons?
The two overlap, but 'grounds' suggests reasons solid enough to justify a decision, often formally or legally. Any explanation can be a reason, whereas grounds are the reasons considered strong enough to act on. You might have reasons to complain, but you need grounds to bring a case.
What does 'grounds for divorce' mean?
It refers to the accepted reasons a person can give for legally ending a marriage. Depending on the place and its laws, these might include separation, unreasonable behaviour, or simply irreconcilable differences. The grounds are the justification a court recognises for granting the divorce.
