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

Eisenkot’s party, Yashar, is projected to have twenty-one seats—a decent showing for a new party, but not a groundswell by any measure. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2026

To create the kind of groundswell seen by DC today, there needs to be a deeper hook. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

The 77-year-old has survived political defeats before, only to come back stronger, but a groundswell of opposition could make this one of the most formidable challenges of his political career. — Matt Bradley, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026

Librarian Regina Andrews, known for her salons, exudes the dignified air of a beloved host, vividly describing the communal groundswell every young thinker and creative then could sense happening. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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