groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
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
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.
But he was outmaneuvered by a bipartisan groundswell of support from lawmakers and the public, and eventually dropped his opposition. Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026 Pretti's death, and federal officials' response, has prompted both a groundswell of activism from Democrats and rare Republican criticism of the White House. Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 27 Jan. 2026 These groundswells have had some success. Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026 Mobilizing the most dedicated fans through group chats or broadcast channels would create a groundswell of grassroots support. Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for groundswell

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundswell was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
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