undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-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 Frustration with Washington and its allies was a clear undercurrent during the annual eight-day meeting of the top leadership that concluded in Beijing on Monday. Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 Not everyone agreed with Queen Elizabeth II, but rightly or wrongly there was an undercurrent of trust there, built over decades. Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 But there was also a more conspiratorial undercurrent. Angela Watercutter, WIRED, 8 Mar. 2024 This prickly paradox lies at the heart of their dynamic — one with an undercurrent of paternal disconnect and disapproval — and complicates it at every turn. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 23 Feb. 2024 The mood of these songs is mystical and searching, but with an undercurrent of grief. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 Feb. 2024 The finale ends on a bleak note, which is in keeping with the comedy’s undercurrent of fatalism. Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 15 Feb. 2024 Even seemingly ordinary events like a family reunion or a visit to a grungy Long Beach theme park simmer with undercurrents of violence and matter-of-fact banality. Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2024 Beyond the obvious bragging rights and the unique pleasure of claiming a slice of paradise, there's a darker, more compelling undercurrent: the extreme peer pressure among billionaires to amass these secluded retreats. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undercurrent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undercurrent was in 1683

Dictionary Entries Near undercurrent

Cite this Entry

“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

undercurrent

noun
un·​der·​cur·​rent -ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on undercurrent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!