undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-ˌkə-rənt
Synonyms of undercurrentnext
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
2
: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown
All of us, of course, are well aware that there is a strong undercurrent in our industrial societies of … anti-economic growth attitudes.—Patrick E. Haggerty
undercurrent adjective

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His films explore displacement, time and the mysterious undercurrents of reality. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 July 2026 The moment is played for laughs, but beneath the comedy is a familiar undercurrent of embarrassment and justification. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026 There’s been an undercurrent of frustration directed toward leadership in state agencies like the Department of Health and government, residents told STAT. — Angus Chen, STAT, 22 July 2026 In fact, there has been a fashion undercurrent throughout the World Cup. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for undercurrent

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undercurrent was in 1683

Rhymes for undercurrent

See All Rhymes for undercurrent

Browse Nearby Words

undercrowding
undercurrent
undercut
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

undercurrent

noun
un·​der·​cur·​rent -ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
undercurrents of water
2
: a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown

More from Merriam-Webster on undercurrent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for undercurrent

Nglish: Translation of undercurrent for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of comely

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
chain-question-mark
Missing Link Quiz July 2026 Five seconds to figure out the word that fits bot...
See All