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

For Kawasaki’s part, Synflux is prepared to rise to the challenge of the summit’s theme—Building Resilient Futures—even though the goal feels increasingly aspirational amid the groundswell of global instability. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 12 May 2026

The groundswell of interest isn’t just limited to Jackson’s solo work. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026

For the Tribune’s staff, Monday’s award was a recognition of the challenging real-time coverage of an event unlike any other in Chicago history, pitting two months of unprecedented federal immigration enforcement efforts against a groundswell of community resistance. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026

Everything Everywhere All at Once directing duo The Daniels attributed the film’s early success to a groundswell of Letterboxd enthusiasm. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 30 Apr. 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