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
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Librarian Regina Andrews, known for her salons, exudes the dignified air of a beloved host, vividly describing the communal groundswell every young thinker and creative then could sense happening. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 That groundswell of interest opened the door for brands to design products specifically for the technique. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 21 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 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 27 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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