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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
Meanwhile, the current Quinnipiac University poll notes 79% of voters believe the United States is in a political crisis in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Sep. 2025 According to the statement, the current beef market has played a role in White Castle's decision to shift its promotional focus toward other non-beef products like chicken and pork sliders. Emma Wozniak, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
Preparation guidance from the NWS includes avoiding not just swimming, but also staying off piers and other shoreline structures that may be subject to unexpected waves or currents. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 Refrain from entering water that might carry an electric current and avoid walking through floodwaters. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • At a conventional intersection, drivers are turning left, traffic is passing in both directions and a right turn on red might include a driver who doesn’t see a pedestrian crossing with the light, Bryson said.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The duo poured cups of coffee from a rotation of conventional café spaces, such as Milwaukee Caffé, and unconventional ones, like Savvy Chic, a clothing and homeware boutique in Eastern Market.
    Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Evans said building a new parking garage near downtown would cost over $20 million, and that space is limited in the area for new lots or parking structures.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The show is one of several new offerings on Brilliant Lady, which sailed its maiden voyage in early September, and USA TODAY was among the first to see the show.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Showing up and being present are two different things.
    Essence, Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Pagano noted that this benefit persisted even when external noise was present.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • With both teams aiming to avoid a 1–3 start, this game presents an opportunity for one to gain momentum and establish a positive direction for the rest of the season.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t pull over in the roundabout Roundabouts with a single lane of traffic in each direction are fairly simple – yield to traffic in the roundabout, wait for a gap in traffic and go through, Bryson said.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Many bird species migrate at night to avoid predators, conserve energy, and take advantage of calmer winds.
    Brandi D. Addison, The Providence Journal, 29 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, Hurricane Humberto, which briefly exploded into a rare Category 5 storm with 160 mph winds Saturday, is now a large Category 4 hurricane.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In her usual soft-spoken British accent, she was known for balancing the grim realities of the climate crisis with a sincere message of hope for the future.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Messi, who was denied by the post in the first half but who struggled to make his usual impact, walked off the field and straight to the locker room at the final whistle without stopping for any of the usual handshakes or greetings.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hepburn’s Balmain number was a modern choice that paved the way for other brides of the time and even today to shy away from traditional floor-length gowns.
    Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
  • What’s Next Transgender participation in sports continues to be one of the most contentious issues in modern sports.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s Next The investigation remains ongoing as of time of writing.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mthethwa also faced an ongoing probe that heard allegations by a provincial police commissioner who accused him of attempting to obstruct the prosecution of a former head of South Africa’s Crime Intelligence Services who was being investigated for corruption.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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