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

Also, that percentage of active participants tends to reflect a far greater percentage of the population that, even if not active, does agree with the goals of the movement, which can later develop into a groundswell of support. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 Nov. 2026

Maria Carrillo, its chief science officer, hailed a groundswell of progress. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

To create the kind of groundswell seen by DC today, there needs to be a deeper hook. — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

The 77-year-old has survived political defeats before, only to come back stronger, but a groundswell of opposition could make this one of the most formidable challenges of his political career. — Matt Bradley, NBC news, 26 Oct. 2026

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