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
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.
The hosts also talk about the geopolitical undercurrent of the record. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Illusion of Civility: exposing the dark undercurrents that lurk beneath the veneer of polite society. Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 This coat is a rare gem from fashion’s archival undercurrents. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025 There are strong undercurrents of paranoia, shamanism, and even cult worship. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undercurrent

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undercurrent was in 1683

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Cite this Entry

“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

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