groundswell

noun

ground·​swell ˈgrau̇nd-ˌswel How to pronounce groundswell (audio)
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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Despite the noise and seeming groundswell of support, Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at political risk consultancy the Eurasia Group, said this is unlikely to be a vote-winner in France. Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 All part of the groundswell that led to Kansas City becoming a 2026 FIFA World Cup host site that also will be able to accommodate up to three base camps regionally. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025 But with a last-minute groundswell of support, Arévalo made it to the runoff and ultimately won the election. Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025 Prussians’ true sentiments might’ve been more clearly displayed by the lack of a popular groundswell of opposition to Bismarck and the king’s extralegal actions; the people remained quiescent and continued to pay their taxes without complaint. Christine Adams / Made By History, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Groundswell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundswell. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ground swell

noun
: a broad deep ocean swell caused by a distant storm or earthquake
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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