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.
It has also seen a groundswell of grassroots support in some communities for more restrictions on new data centers.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 3, 2026
When his center-right Tisza party won a landslide in the election, it was largely thanks to a groundswell of youth participation that delivered the highest electoral turnout in Hungary’s post-socialist history.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 26, 2026
Given the bipartisan groundswell of support for curbing AI companies and their creations, however, that may soon change.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
"It really was this huge groundswell… that was clearly saying: We want one of us to represent us in City Hall," he says.
From BBC ● Jul. 18, 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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
