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.
However, there has been a groundswell of activism against data centers in many Virginian communities. Andrew R. Chow, Time, 25 Apr. 2025 Yesterday, while speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that there's a groundswell of people demanding lower rates. Brittney Melton, NPR, 18 Apr. 2025 What’s really needed as a start is a groundswell of public outcry against tariffs. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Despite the noise and seeming groundswell of support, Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at political risk consultancy the Eurasia Group, said this is unlikely to be a vote-winner in France. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground swell

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