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

Long haul Final fundraising numbers won’t be available until after the election, but Corbett’s totals so far suggest there’s no groundswell of outside support for his candidacy. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

Europe’s far-right parties are on the rise, seemingly well positioned to ride a groundswell of anti-establishment sentiment into power in several countries in the next few years. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Sep. 2026

The groundswell of opposition may still not be enough to stop the project. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

And that’s where the groundswell of the past few weeks isn’t just another temporary dissipation of some angry energy. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 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