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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
Another current Tony nominee, Giant starring John Lithgow, will get a worldwide cinema release in November. Greg Evans, Deadline, 13 May 2026 Start by seeing how low your current mortgage rate offers are here. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 13 May 2026
Noun
Rip currents will be stronger than normal and long shore currents can move people and items in the water quickly away from the point of entry. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2026 The maps are created by combining satellite imagery that detects sargassum in the open ocean with models that track ocean currents. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • Putin has claimed that Oreshnik’s multiple warheads plunge at speeds of up to Mach 10 and can’t be intercepted, and that several such missiles used in a conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • Many land requirements for cemeteries like fencing or paved roads were designed with conventional burial plots in mind, said Sarah Chavez, executive director of Order of the Good Death, a group that advocates for positive deathcare experiences.
    Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • And across all networks, just six new shows bow in the fall — with most waiting for post-football homes.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Winston makes a cameo to execute another electric Ford Field trick play, and the Giants lose a close one with their offense starting to find a new gear.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • As a maker, these opposing qualities are persistent and present throughout every part of the process.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 May 2026
  • Through this narrative strand, Dusabejambo, working with co-writer Delphine Agut and her incredible ensemble of actors, compellingly explore the ways in which wounds linger beyond just those people physically present during the atrocities.
    Josh Slater-Williams, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The draft was the league’s first step in this direction.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • The legal system is moving in both directions at once.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • The strongest winds are expected Saturday night through Sunday.
    Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
  • An inspector can assess overall roof condition, age and visible storm damage, but a roofing specialist may be needed for a detailed hail or wind damage assessment.
    Ryan Brennan May 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Cavs, who were bounced in five games out of the second round last year, were 15-14 in late December and battling their usual mix of injuries.
    Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 18 May 2026
  • General Daily Insight for May 17, 2026 Fresh thinking moves faster than our usual filters today.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by the design of classic tuxedo shirts, this modern twist has a cropped fit, pintucked front details, and button cuffs.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • During a news conference Thursday, members of the group said the early morning operation was part of an ongoing campaign of harassment, including members being followed home and prank calls on their hotline.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
  • Appearing on America's Newsroom, Crean Lutheran High School girls’ track and field athlete Olivia Viola addressed CIF's ongoing neglect of female athletes' calls to oust boys from competition, including AB Hernandez.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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