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
The scene is famously community-driven with an undercurrent of old-fashioned Southern hospitality that extends to visiting fans.
—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
All three whiskeys are quite good, with variances in flavor ranging from rich caramel notes in Mushroom, to a bright citrus tone that defines Beaver, and a oaky maple undercurrent in Owl.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, there was an undercurrent of malevolence coming from the Sabres’ Mason Geertsen (6-foot-5, 231 pounds), who got into a couple of jawing matches with 6-foot-7, 255-pound Nikita Zadorov, but nothing came of it.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
In The Chair Company, that undercurrent intensifies.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
All three whiskeys are quite good, with variances in flavor ranging from rich caramel notes in Mushroom, to a bright citrus tone that defines Beaver, and a oaky maple undercurrent in Owl.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, there was an undercurrent of malevolence coming from the Sabres’ Mason Geertsen (6-foot-5, 231 pounds), who got into a couple of jawing matches with 6-foot-7, 255-pound Nikita Zadorov, but nothing came of it.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 12 Oct. 2025
In The Chair Company, that undercurrent intensifies.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 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 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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