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Definition of currentnext
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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
Messi is the current favorite to win the award with seven goals to lead the race, while Mbappé is one behind at six. Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The current owner’s father, Olcott Smith, a prominent Connecticut business leader, bought the land from one Everett Whiting, a sheep farmer whose own family roots here trace back to the 1600s. Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Noun
Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters. Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026 Several signs are posted along the trail leading to the waterfall trail warning against entering the water, no matter how calm the currents may seem. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • But cruise missiles are more versatile in conventional warfare.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026
  • The majority of Georgian wine reaching export markets is made in what producers call the European style — stainless steel fermentation, conventional winemaking, easily approachable.
    Michelle Williams, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mask ban for law enforcement officers, criminal records sealing and tenant protections are among a host of new measures taking effect.
    Liam Bowman, Washington Post, 30 June 2026
  • In the videos, women share their transformations in which their post-divorce selves are often fitter, with clearer skin and a new wardrobe.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Parisi argued that Blake Rakela acted in self-defense and was protecting his girlfriend and father, who were both present when Styles allegedly threatened them while holding a tire iron.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
  • The press event was organized by his congressional office, but his campaign staff also was present — as was Luke Bronin, the former Hartford mayor challenging Larson.
    Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Follow the specific directions from your doctor and the exact type of medicine, first and foremost.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • The 2026 Honor Marching Band and Color Guard, under the direction of Boise State professor Phil Hartman, filled the air with festive tunes in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
    Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The most violent wind report came from Northbrook, where half of a roof on a 20-car garage was lifted and then dropped, damaging at least seven cars in a parking shelter for a condominium.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • More than 75 million were in the threat zone for severe storms in the coming hours, stretching across parts of the Plains into the Northeast, with the primary hazard being damaging wind gusts.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
    Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
  • Finally, a birthday that really deserves all the usual fireworks.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Given modern advances, many organizations are turning towards auto-triaging by AI services and other digital tools to help ease the burden for physicians.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • One non-negotiable of the modern footballer is good coffee.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Amid the ongoing domestic assault investigation, Mortensen filed for a protective order against Paul on March 19, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026
  • The talks come after the Qatari prime minister met with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Tuesday to discuss ongoing US-Iran talks and regional developments.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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