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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
Aston Villa are the only current Premier League club whose record streak without losing took place in the 19th century. Will Jeanes, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 Looking ahead, Ralph Lauren is in favor of setting rolling five-year GHG reduction milestones, with a near-term focus on its current SBTi validated 2030 goal to reduce emissions by 30 percent from the 2020 baseline. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
If a beset crew was fortunate, winds or currents would eventually shift, the ice would loosen its grip and the ship would break free. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 Instead, the moths hitch a ride on air currents or tropical storms coming from Central and South America, southern Florida, and southern Texas. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • For drivers prioritizing affordability and conventional utility, models like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 may be more suitable.
    Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Unlike conventional models that primarily rely on current atmospheric readings, Google’s AI system analyzes historical hurricane data to uncover patterns that might elude human forecasters.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The divisions included endurance and sports race cars, supercars, flat track motorcycles, sprint cars, drift cars, vintage IndyCars, NASCAR, ASF Cup cars (American Speed Festival) and a new group called LROC (Ladies Race of Champions).
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That was just one of the findings of a new statewide health survey -- just the second in the country -- that was announced Thursday by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The study analyzed blood samples from 47 patients with severe ME/CFS and 61 healthy controls, revealing a unique pattern consistently present in patients with the condition.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • This level of caring and personal openness—owning mistakes is part of being present as a whole person—filters into the business culture.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • While the New York Times has significantly cut back on its unsigned editorial board pieces, the Post appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Researchers found that the receivers of the dance weren’t just following the direction and distance indicated by the waggle dance.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an early morning advisory, hurricane center forecasters said Priscilla was located about 230 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph with higher gusts.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The Trail Ridge Road in Colorado winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, displaying beautiful fall foliage views along the way.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Last season, in Game 5 of the Panthers’ second-round series against Toronto, Boqvist finished with a goal and an assist with Rodrigues injured and played alongside Barkov and Sam Reinhart on Florida’s top line after moving up from his usual spot on the fourth line.
    Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2025
  • NBCUniversal has locked in its usual Monday kickoff week to upfronts week in New York, confirming May 11 as the date of its main presentation to advertisers at Radio City Music Hall.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But modern dentists are skeptical as to how effective this practice actually is at improving oral health.
    Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Netflix's modern retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz, set in the tiny Tennessee town of Pegram, recently hit the global streaming platform.
    Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The latest martyr in Paris’ ongoing political deadlock — France’s fifth PM in less than two years — is Sébastien Lecornu, who announced his resignation on Monday after just 27 days in office.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
  • This is the latest chapter in an ongoing saga between the former couple.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on current

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