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

Last year Glamour reported that sales were up 34% in 2024—and the groundswell of interest in the silhouette has only grown with time. —Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025

What has been so encouraging this week is the groundswell of independent, credible public health and medical professionals from all around the world who shared their voices – everyone from the World Health Organization to local family doctors. —Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

The groundswell of opposition to that sort of open aggression even included Republican senators. —Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025

On the other hand, Howard Stern had stinging comments today over Kimmel going dark, and joined the groundswell of subscribers cancelling Disney+. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2025

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