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

As data centers expand their footprint, a groundswell of local opposition is following. —Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2026

The groundswell appeared to be organic, rather than an orchestrated campaign to pressure lawmakers to act. —Stephen Groves, Fortune, 9 Apr. 2026

At the center of this groundswell is Fuentes, whose nightly streaming show attracts hundreds of thousands of viewers. —Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2026

Biddle’s letter joined a groundswell of support from citizens ranging from unemployed artists to Roosevelt’s own advisers, encouraging the US government to similarly patronize the arts for public benefit. —John P. Murphy, ARTnews.com, 5 Apr. 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