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
WASHINGTON—A groundswell of urgency over artificial intelligence is surging in Congress amid growing fears that the technology could destroy civilization.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Many now feel that a similar groundswell may be the only way to deliver justice for the teenager who died last year.
From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026
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
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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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.
