undercurrent

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

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

His trip to Texas on Tuesday — with another one possible Saturday, to both Texas and Louisiana — was carefully planned but at times still bore the undercurrents of a political event rather than a disaster-relief effort.

— john wagner, Washington Post, "Trump’s ability to govern tested by Harvey at home and North Korea abroad," 29 Aug. 2017
In this context, the homophobic undercurrents of online commentaries opposing white nationalism are troubling.

— siobhan mcguirk, Teen Vogue, "Why You Shouldn't Say White Nationalists Aren't "Real Men"," 18 Aug. 2017
The lack of originality in Cersei's revenge echoes the undercurrent of predictability running through what should be some of Season 7's most exciting moments.

— julie kosin, Harper's BAZAAR, "Game of Thrones Season 7 Is a Disappointment So Far," 2 Aug. 2017
Most of these 10 stories deliver cool shocks, but all are buoyed by an undercurrent of wry humor and pleasingly mellow irony.

— katherine a. powers, The Seattle Times, "For your listening pleasure: 6 great new audiobooks," 31 July 2017
But the movie works because of the quiet undercurrent of menace to the whole thing—the goofy, but still disturbing, idea that this gentle-seeming show was built to control James, and did too good a job.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "Brigsby Bear Is a Clever Bit of Fake ’80s Nostalgia," 28 July 2017
Condition your skin with coconut cream and bask in the warmth that a cinnamon leaf undercurrent brings.

— victoria jowett, Cosmopolitan, "LUSH's New Bath Bombs Turn Water Into Jelly, Yes, JELLY," 21 July 2017
KCP’s side There was palpable undercurrent at Caldwell-Pope’s news conference.

— vince ellis, Detroit Free Press, "Are the Detroit Pistons right? Or will Kentavious Caldwell-Pope win his bet?," 19 July 2017
The incident was under investigation Tuesday night by Shorewood police, Deputy Chief Kevin Carini said, urging swimmers to know their surroundings and be aware of undercurrents.

— jesse garza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "14-year-old boy drowns at Atwater beach in Shorewood," 18 July 2017

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

UNDERCURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

undercurrent

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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

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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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See words that rhyme with undercurrent Spanish Central: Translation of undercurrent Nglish: Translation of undercurrent for Spanish speakers

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undercurrent

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

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First Known Use of undercurrent

UNDERCURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

undercurrent

Definition of undercurrent for English Language Learners

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undercurrent

Definition of undercurrent for Students

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UNDERCURRENT Defined for English Language Learners

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