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
All of us, of course, are well aware that there is a strong undercurrent in our industrial societies of … anti-economic growth attitudes.—
Patrick E. Haggerty
Patrick E. Haggerty
undercurrent
adjective
Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence
You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adolpho Veloso’s cinematography evokes the stillness and grace of Terrence Malick, while Bryce Dessner’s original score — featuring contributions from Nick Cave on the titular song — stitches together the film’s spiritual undercurrent.
—Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Its undercurrent of tragedy ends up leaving as much of an impression as the demonic forces Henry and Audrey inadvertently conjure.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 16 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
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Clayton Davis, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
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
Its undercurrent of tragedy ends up leaving as much of an impression as the demonic forces Henry and Audrey inadvertently conjure.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 16 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
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 6 Nov. 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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