undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō 
1
: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
2
: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent
Examples of undertow in a Sentence
Don't get caught in the undertow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dangerous rip currents, undertows and large waves pose hazards in at least a dozen states on Friday.
—
Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Rip currents are often confused with rip tides or undertows, none of which actually pull you downward.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
But there is plenty of story left on the table for the Buckleys, who are only now getting their footing in the undertow of the coastal criminal element.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis blamed policy from Washington, D.C., for creating an undertow on Colorado’s economy.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertow
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Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Rip currents are often confused with rip tides or undertows, none of which actually pull you downward.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
But there is plenty of story left on the table for the Buckleys, who are only now getting their footing in the undertow of the coastal criminal element.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis blamed policy from Washington, D.C., for creating an undertow on Colorado’s economy.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertow
Cite this Entry
“Undertow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertow. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō
: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore
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