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
The groundswell of interest isn’t just limited to Jackson’s solo work.
—
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
For the Tribune’s staff, Monday’s award was a recognition of the challenging real-time coverage of an event unlike any other in Chicago history, pitting two months of unprecedented federal immigration enforcement efforts against a groundswell of community resistance.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Given the groundswell of opposition against the merger, on top of other miscues during Zaslav’s four-year run at the helm of the company, the shareholder sentiment is not likely to go unnoticed.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
When the cheating scandal happened, there was a groundswell of support from fans, a protectiveness over Long as a woman and as a cultural touchstone.
—Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 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.
Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026
For the Tribune’s staff, Monday’s award was a recognition of the challenging real-time coverage of an event unlike any other in Chicago history, pitting two months of unprecedented federal immigration enforcement efforts against a groundswell of community resistance.
—Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Given the groundswell of opposition against the merger, on top of other miscues during Zaslav’s four-year run at the helm of the company, the shareholder sentiment is not likely to go unnoticed.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
When the cheating scandal happened, there was a groundswell of support from fans, a protectiveness over Long as a woman and as a cultural touchstone.
—Zeba Blay, SELF, 21 Apr. 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 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
