undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 
-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
That was the main undercurrent of Tuesday night’s episode.
—
Tim Graham, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Bergamot & Hinoki has these fresh, citrus notes that are slightly floral (the bergamot) with an undercurrent of woodsiness (hinoki).
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2025
But beneath all the excitement is an undercurrent of worry among some of the Asian markets and eateries long located along East Belknap Street and other aging pockets of the city.
—Chris Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
The single, meanwhile, is ushered in with a gripping bass line and an undercurrent of keyboards until Osbourne makes his grand vocal entrance, all sneers and snarls.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 July 2025
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Tim Graham, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Bergamot & Hinoki has these fresh, citrus notes that are slightly floral (the bergamot) with an undercurrent of woodsiness (hinoki).
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2025
But beneath all the excitement is an undercurrent of worry among some of the Asian markets and eateries long located along East Belknap Street and other aging pockets of the city.
—Chris Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025
The single, meanwhile, is ushered in with a gripping bass line and an undercurrent of keyboards until Osbourne makes his grand vocal entrance, all sneers and snarls.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
-ˌkər-ənt
-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
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