Definitions

grassroots

[gras-roots, -roots, grahs-] / ˈgræsˌruts, -ˌrʊts, ˈgrɑs- /

NOUN

ordinary citizens

Synonyms

WEAK

Middle America common people hoi polloi laboring class middle class proletariat rank and file the masses wage-earners working class working people

ADJECTIVE

involving ordinary people, rather than politicians

Synonyms

STRONG

democratic local middle-class neighborhood provincial working-class

WEAK

broad-based everyday popular populist widespread

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.

Abdullah said Black Lives Matter Grassroots, an activist group within the BLM movement, would meet with L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Grassroots community groups could match that corporate influence, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

Riva Duncan, a retired Forest Service fire chief and the vice president of Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, a labor advocacy organization, said staffing is a constant frustration for managers on the ground.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2025

Grassroots participation continued to increase for boys and girls the following year according to a WRU impact report.

From BBC • May 14, 2025

I am a diplomat of the Grassroots Republic of Mars.

From Mutineer by Shea, Robert

Vocabulary lists containing grassroots

Idioms and Expressions, List 4

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Civics II

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Earth Day

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