undercurrent

noun un·der·cur·rent \ ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt , -ˌkə-rənt \

Updated on: 15 May 2018

Definition of undercurrent

1 : a current below the upper currents or surface

2 : a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown

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undercurrent

adjective

See undercurrent defined for English-language learners

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Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples of undercurrent from the Web

Once again, this is pure speculation, but: Captain American and Iron Man have been squabbling and warring for a few films, though always with an undercurrent of respect and love.

— joanna robinson, HWD, "Will Avengers 4 Have Alternate Realities, Miraculous Resurrections, and a Happy Ending?," 2 May 2018
Since the early 1980s, Galás has crafted one of the more singular identities in music, more avant-garde and classical than pop but with undercurrents of the blues, jazz and even country.

— james reed, latimes.com, "Swoops, shrieks and croons: Diamanda Galás transfixes at Palace Theatre," 27 Apr. 2018
Refreshing and not too sweet, with a strong coconut undercurrent, the concoction was all too easy to knock back.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "Get It Inn provides spicy addition to Locust Point," 18 Apr. 2018
But as much as lawmakers are trying to keep up a veneer of normalcy, beneath the surface is a surreal undercurrent that’s dominating the 2018 legislative session.

— jason hancock, kansascity, "Amid week of distractions, Missouri lawmakers move to isolate embattled governor | The Kansas City Star," 20 Apr. 2018
The actress readied for the red carpet premiere of Netflix's Kodachrome in Los Angeles by infusing her golden chop with a hint of smooth bend from ears to ends, finished by a healthy sheen that gave the look a romantic undercurrent.

— calin van paris, Vogue, "Olivia Wilde Shakes Up Her Bob With a No-Commitment Trick for a Date With Jason Sudeikis," 19 Apr. 2018
Kalanick also fostered an undercurrent of paranoia and suspicion in the ranks.

— jessi hempel, WIRED, "Uber's New Direction: Move Slow and Test Things," 19 Apr. 2018
While the project involved several configurations of players — and additional sessions in New York, California and Florida — there's a unifying undercurrent, says Schwartz.

— brian mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "WATCH: 'Detroit Rising' video debut; new project features P-Funk, Detroit music pros," 30 Mar. 2018
Director Paolo Virzi often presents The Leisure Seeker as a kind of road-movie lark, but there are darker undercurrents throughout.

— gary thompson, Philly.com, "Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland hit dead end in road movie 'The Leisure Seeker.'," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'undercurrent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of undercurrent

1683

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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UNDERCURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

undercurrent

noun

Definition of undercurrent for English Language Learners

: a flow of water that moves below the surface of the ocean or a river
: a hidden feeling or tendency that is usually different from the one that is easy to see or understand

UNDERCURRENT Defined for Kids

undercurrent

noun un·der·cur·rent \ ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt \

Definition of undercurrent for Students

1 : a flow of water that moves below the surface

2 : a hidden feeling or tendency often different from the one openly shown

She sensed an undercurrent of dissatisfaction.

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