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current

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noun

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as in wind
noticeable movement of air in a particular direction curtains that were being lightly lifted by a fresh current from the open window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word current different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of current are drift, tendency, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When would drift be a good substitute for current?

While in some cases nearly identical to current, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities
got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than current?

While the synonyms tendency and current are close in meaning, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

In what contexts can tenor take the place of current?

The words tenor and current can be used in similar contexts, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of current?

The meanings of trend and current largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of current
Adjective
Check the the park’s current conditions website for updates on the burn ban. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 2 Mar. 2025 The first fallback option is the continuing resolution Trump endorsed, a stopgap measure that would generally fund federal agencies at current levels. Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
Image In Taiwan, Mr. Trump’s stinging comments about Ukraine could feed a current of public opinion arguing that the island has been repeatedly abandoned by Washington and cannot trust its promises. Chris Buckley, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 That's viewed as preferable to the constant electric currents used in traditional deep brain stimulation devices that can produce unpleasant side effects. Maya Goldman, Axios, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • Its imposing size and dramatic silhouette should, according to conventional design wisdom, limit its range.
    Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 28 Feb. 2025
  • More importantly, Lara wants women to embrace their bodies’ natural processes rather than feel pressured to conform to societal expectations or follow conventional paths that don’t seem to be working in their favor.
    Allison Palmer, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is the Washington Commanders' newest offensive weapon.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Breaking through entails navigating a thicket of customer perceptions, expectations, and a general reluctance to try something new when the existing solution feels sufficient.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Many of us were present in the room when the former governor testified to Congress last September, sitting just behind him.
    Peter Arbeeny, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Chappell Roan, absent from the ceremony in person but present in video message form, picked up best international song for Good Luck, Babe!, but once the temperature had cooled post-Carpenter performance, the evening was a Charli XCX sweep.
    Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The final look was all sleekness and shine and natural flow — fitting into the overall bohemian direction of her look that evening.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Geography can also give you a nudge in the right direction.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Isolated, severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging wind gusts are possible for the Baltimore area Wednesday.
    Dan Belson, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Gusty winds are expected to the Carolinas on Tuesday with gusts ranging from 15 to 25 mph.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As usual, Soderbergh edits in style using his Mary Ann Bernard pseudonym and his Peter Andrews pseudonym as well for the fine cinematography.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Agencies that have already received funding approval or operate on a permanent funding basis would continue to operate as usual.
    Nik Popli, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • As a result, visitors can enjoy modern comforts while also being surrounded by nature.
    Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Plus, Trump already has a history of making fewer such asks than other modern presidents.
    Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite getting the surgery, Cassidy acknowledges that her BRCA status presents ongoing concerns about ovarian cancer.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025
  • That hasn’t prevented underutilization and decay, however. Plans to convert upper office floors to residential or perhaps sell the building have been stymied by the ongoing McDonald’s lease for the first two floors, Miller said.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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