groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel 

1

usually ground swell : a broad deep undulation of the ocean caused by an often distant gale or seismic disturbance

2

: a rapid spontaneous growth (as of political opinion)

a groundswell of support

Examples of groundswell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Running to their left with a groundswell of support from progressive groups and voters is Effie Phillips-Staley, who’s currently trailing in third place with 13% in Tavern’s poll. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 23 June 2026

The Supreme Court's move comes almost two months after its conservative supermajority issued a major ruling that further weakened the Voting Rights Act, setting off a groundswell in redistricting across the country. — Hansi Lo Wang, NPR, 22 June 2026

Their dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay, the first time the USMNT scored four goals in a World Cup match, has ignited a national groundswell of support and shattered TV ratings, inspiring future generations of players. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Walid Regragui, Morocco’s coach at the time, likened the groundswell of support to how moviegoers reacted to Rocky Balboa. — Dan Greene, New Yorker, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for groundswell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun

: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake