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
But beneath the joy and relief of reconnecting with family runs a deep undercurrent of anger that a basic human right of connection could be easily – and abruptly – taken away.
—
Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
While Tommy grapples with his complicated family life and a still-grieving Cami settles into her new position at the company, the undercurrent of just how dangerous the oil business is can't be ignored.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Several of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performances subvert or tweak his good looks, encouraging us to see the uglier, messier undercurrents beneath his characters’ appealing surface.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
But, as with any dynasty, an undercurrent of darkness pulses beneath that rich history.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
While Tommy grapples with his complicated family life and a still-grieving Cami settles into her new position at the company, the undercurrent of just how dangerous the oil business is can't be ignored.
—Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Several of Leonardo DiCaprio’s best performances subvert or tweak his good looks, encouraging us to see the uglier, messier undercurrents beneath his characters’ appealing surface.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
But, as with any dynasty, an undercurrent of darkness pulses beneath that rich history.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 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 5 Oct. 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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