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.
The way the roots took, and a foundation morphed into a groundswell. Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2026 But a groundswell of public response stayed the administration. Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 There is a groundswell of support for enhancing benefit levels for newer teachers, whose benefits cost far less than teachers who were hired before 2011. John Cullerton, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 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 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 16 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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