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
undercurrent
adjective
Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence
You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
The threat of violence hangs over even the most quiet of moments, and — some shoddy CGI animals aside — the film’s grip on that disturbing undercurrent is convincing throughout.
—
David Opie, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025
So says The Gilded Age creator Julian Fellowes, summing up one of the many thematic undercurrents of the historical series’s third season, which airs on HBO this June.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Maggie Kuntz is heartbreaking as the girl whose friendships are tested by her loyalty to her creepy father, and Morgan Scott, as the outwardly confident Atlanta girl, registers every undercurrent and slight.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Year: 2005 Run time: 1 hr, 38 mins
Director: Shane Black
Kilmer’s last great performance came opposite Robert Downey Jr. in this dark comedy with noir undercurrents.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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David Opie, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025
So says The Gilded Age creator Julian Fellowes, summing up one of the many thematic undercurrents of the historical series’s third season, which airs on HBO this June.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2025
Maggie Kuntz is heartbreaking as the girl whose friendships are tested by her loyalty to her creepy father, and Morgan Scott, as the outwardly confident Atlanta girl, registers every undercurrent and slight.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2025
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Year: 2005 Run time: 1 hr, 38 mins
Director: Shane Black
Kilmer’s last great performance came opposite Robert Downey Jr. in this dark comedy with noir undercurrents.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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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