groundswell

noun ground·swell \ ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel \

Definition of groundswell

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

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Recent Examples of groundswell from the Web

Hogan joined a national groundswell reconsidering Confederate monuments that have become a rallying point for white nationalists.

— erin cox, baltimoresun.com, "Hogan taking heat for Taney statue removal," 19 Aug. 2017
A groundswell of criticism and shock followed from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including former presidents, world leaders, and even members of Trump’s own staff.

— emily jane fox, vanityfair.com, "The Bull Case for the Trump Presidency Collapses," 18 Aug. 2017
A groundswell of criticism and shock followed from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, including former presidents, world leaders, and even members of Trump’s own staff.

— emily jane fox, The Hive, "The Bull Case for the Trump Presidency Collapses," 18 Aug. 2017
The series in Athens was an incredible groundswell of grassroots creativity.

— david lyman, Cincinnati.com, "Theater and dance notes this week," 10 Aug. 2017
Press screenings are generally extended to critics around a week before a movie’s release, in order to give time for critics to actually write the review—and, if the movie is good, generate an early, buzzy groundswell of support.

— scott meslow, GQ, "Movie Studios Are Trying to Trick You Into Seeing Bad Movies," 3 Aug. 2017
And most towns on the eclipse path have limited resources—and limited portable toilets—to accommodate a groundswell of visitors.

— rebecca boyle, The Atlantic, "America's Greatest Mass Migration to See a Natural Event," 3 Aug. 2017
As the Hartford Public Library system prepares to close two of its branches and convert a third to a mobile operation next month, its leadership is seeing a groundswell of opposition from city residents and officials alike.

— vinny vella, Courant Community, "Hartford Residents Bristle As Library Branches Move Closer To Closure," 1 Aug. 2017
Members who feel like Vela are still the exception, and there has yet to be a real anti-Pelosi groundswell in the Democratic Party.

— aaron blake, Washington Post, "The Democrats’ persistent Pelosi problem," 21 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'groundswell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of groundswell

1786

GROUNDSWELL Defined for English Language Learners

groundswell

noun

Definition of groundswell for English Language Learners

: a fast increase in the amount of public support for something (such as a political cause or candidate)

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