undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 
-ˌkə-rənt
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
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
Riverwork’s apparent arc is one of oblivion—like pressing an ear to the murmur and purl of an undercurrent.
—Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Her shift in direction brought the undercurrent of R&B influence from her earliest releases to the forefront while still asserting her position in pop.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026
While the joy of the wedding barely conceals an undercurrent of pain, that scene infuses the film with a jolt of energy, helping the viewer to exhale for the first time.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 20 May 2026
Matières Fécales’ fall 2026 collection gave the Cannes appearance a sharper undercurrent.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Her shift in direction brought the undercurrent of R&B influence from her earliest releases to the forefront while still asserting her position in pop.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026
While the joy of the wedding barely conceals an undercurrent of pain, that scene infuses the film with a jolt of energy, helping the viewer to exhale for the first time.
—Tomris Laffly, Variety, 20 May 2026
Matières Fécales’ fall 2026 collection gave the Cannes appearance a sharper undercurrent.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
-ˌkər-ənt
-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
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