groundswell
Americannoun
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a broad, deep swell or rolling of the sea, due to a distant storm or gale.
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any surge of support, approval, or enthusiasm, especially among the general public.
a groundswell of political support for the governor.
noun
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a considerable swell of the sea, often caused by a distant storm or earthquake or by the passage of waves into shallow water
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a strong public feeling or opinion that is detectable even though not openly expressed
a groundswell of discontent
Etymology
Origin of groundswell
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They have also given voice to a groundswell of frustration with L.A.’s Democratic establishment and created space for more pressing debate on the future direction of the city.
From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026
Some are speaking up, but I don't yet detect a groundswell of pressure.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
The conservatorship was dissolved by a Los Angeles court in 2021, after a groundswell of public support to "Free Britney."
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
Mamdani won a groundswell of support by promising bold and reasonable policies based on what the people told him.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026
White Southerners could ignore the groundswell of discontent, but, especially following World War II, blacks were simply not going to tolerate a life separate from and unequal to the American mainstream.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
