undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō 
1
: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
2
: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent
Examples of undertow in a Sentence
Don't get caught in the undertow.
Recent Examples on the Web
But there is plenty of story left on the table for the Buckleys, who are only now getting their footing in the undertow of the coastal criminal element.
—
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis blamed policy from Washington, D.C., for creating an undertow on Colorado’s economy.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
But in his second term, Trump's aggressive trade policies and confrontational stance toward America's allies are threatening to turn that populist wave into a dangerous undertow.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
This 100% Chenin from Minus Tide, made from old-vine grapes, offers a tinge of honey on the nose with wild and savory herbs in the undertow.
—Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertow
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.
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
In a statement, Gov. Jared Polis blamed policy from Washington, D.C., for creating an undertow on Colorado’s economy.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 18 June 2025
But in his second term, Trump's aggressive trade policies and confrontational stance toward America's allies are threatening to turn that populist wave into a dangerous undertow.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025
This 100% Chenin from Minus Tide, made from old-vine grapes, offers a tinge of honey on the nose with wild and savory herbs in the undertow.
—Lana Bortolot, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertow
Cite this Entry
“Undertow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertow. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō
: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share