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

Some of that had to do with a family groundswell post-Christmas into the New Year, when many were on break. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025

However, barring an unexpected groundswell of support for the bill, the Education Department isn’t likely to vanish by 2026. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

That groundswell of love was apparent at the ceremony on Feb. 23. —Sam Gillette, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025

Fortunately, a groundswell of opposition among Republican senators has emerged, such as Josh Hawley (Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Ron Johnson (Wisc.), and Rick Scott (Fla.), who publicly oppose the moratorium. —Dan Perry, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 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