undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An undercurrent of subversion ran through many collections. Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Yet alongside that gratitude, there's also a quiet undercurrent of worry — the kind that often comes with deep love. Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 June 2025 The undercurrents of the 2016 finals flowed below the surface of Warriors-Cavs like an Atlantic riptide. David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025 With galloping horses, flying arrows, ancient magic, and a powerful undercurrent of the love between mother and daughter, Brave ticks all of the Pixar boxes and then some. Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for undercurrent

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undercurrent was in 1683

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

undercurrent

noun
un·​der·​cur·​rent -ˌkər-ənt How to pronounce undercurrent (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on undercurrent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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