undercurrent

noun

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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

Other Words from undercurrent Example Sentences Learn More About undercurrent

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples on the Web Allies’ ambivalence was an undercurrent of Mrs. Pelosi’s trip to Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, as well as Taiwan. — Charles Hutzler, WSJ, 5 Aug. 2022 But throughout the series, there was an undercurrent of tension, too. — New York Times, 14 July 2022 Throughout the music is an undercurrent of spirituality and mysticism that Brian says is very much a part of the creative process. — Shirley Macfarland, cleveland, 8 July 2022 At the same time, the strong undercurrent of partisanship around issues like masking and vaccine mandates further wore away public support. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2022 But racial polarized voting remains an undercurrent in Mobile and Southern politics where white voters are closely aligned to Republican politics, and Black voters are more Democratic. — John Sharp, al, 18 Jan. 2022 In that latest Ipsos poll there was a much higher number of people saying their lives had already returned to normal than last year, but there was also an undercurrent of concern that Covid is a longer-term problem. — Dante Chinni, NBC News, 21 June 2022 That undercurrent of pathos is not present in The Books of Jacob. — Jake Bittle, The New Republic, 2 Mar. 2022 The undercurrent of the whole story in your book is about always keeping the faith, not giving up on hope, and increasing hope in others around you. — Heather Wishart-smith, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2022 See More

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.