groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
Synonyms of groundswellnext
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.
Gates resigned in 1992 amid a groundswell of criticism over police abuse and his slow response to the riots that broke out in April of that year after four police officers were acquitted on charges of severely beating King, a Black motorist. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 In comparison, topics that involve groundswells or are receiving authentic attention often inspire social media users to create their own posts that outperform inauthentic behavior. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026 Long haul Final fundraising numbers won’t be available until after the election, but Corbett’s totals so far suggest there’s no groundswell of outside support for his candidacy. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026 Europe’s far-right parties are on the rise, seemingly well positioned to ride a groundswell of anti-establishment sentiment into power in several countries in the next few years. — Alexander Smith, NBC news, 28 Sep. 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

Rhymes for groundswell

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Browse Nearby Words

ground sweet
groundswell
ground table
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Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ground swell

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