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
News that the respected and much-liked festival exec was on the cusp of being removed has prompted a groundswell of support from cinema professionals in Germany, Europe and beyond.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
The way the roots took, and a foundation morphed into a groundswell.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
But a groundswell of public response stayed the administration.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
There is a groundswell of support for enhancing benefit levels for newer teachers, whose benefits cost far less than teachers who were hired before 2011.
—John Cullerton, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundswell
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.
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2026
The way the roots took, and a foundation morphed into a groundswell.
—Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026
But a groundswell of public response stayed the administration.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
There is a groundswell of support for enhancing benefit levels for newer teachers, whose benefits cost far less than teachers who were hired before 2011.
—John Cullerton, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundswell
Cite this Entry
“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
