undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-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
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.
Now, bringing Pluto in Aquarius into the mix — the planet of power, transformation and all that is hidden beneath the surface — there’s an undeniable magnetism and undercurrent of intensity. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 However, there was an undercurrent of anxiety around the mountain resort. Matt Donnelly, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025 For so much of the game, Villa fell below attacking standards; in truth, that is the undercurrent to their whole season to date. Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 And yet, there's an undercurrent of rage, despair, and disgust running through the country over the hostage-ceasefire deal announced on Wednesday. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near undercurrent

Cite this Entry

“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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