groundswell
Americannoun
-
a broad, deep swell or rolling of the sea, due to a distant storm or gale.
-
any surge of support, approval, or enthusiasm, especially among the general public.
a groundswell of political support for the governor.
noun
-
a considerable swell of the sea, often caused by a distant storm or earthquake or by the passage of waves into shallow water
-
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.
The groundswell of opposition may still not be enough to stop the project.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2026
Still, some were skeptical the move would result in a groundswell of support.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026
We felt a groundswell in New England, so we did it, D.C. and the Steelers’ stadium in Pittsburgh in 2005.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
Tuesday's service in Lisburn was arranged after the appeal triggered a groundswell of community compassion.
From BBC ● Apr. 21, 2026
A minor groundswell sounded behind the shower curtain, as though a rather delinquent porpoise were suddenly at play.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
