current 1 of 2

Definition of currentnext
1
2
3

current

2 of 2

noun

1
2
as in wind
noticeable movement of air in a particular direction curtains that were being lightly lifted by a fresh current from the open window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word current different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of current are drift, tendency, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When would drift be a good substitute for current?

While in some cases nearly identical to current, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities
got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than current?

While the synonyms tendency and current are close in meaning, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

In what contexts can tenor take the place of current?

The words tenor and current can be used in similar contexts, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of current?

The meanings of trend and current largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of current
Adjective
That unrest lasted several days, but the Police Service of Northern Ireland has urged an immediate cessation of the current disorder and a return to calm. Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 10 June 2026 Solid-state technology has long been viewed as a potential breakthrough, promising higher performance and improved safety margins over current battery chemistries. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
Noun
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026 Those feedbacks include release of massive amounts of heat-trapping carbon now being stored in the world’s oceans, in forested areas and in the Amazon, along with changes to ocean currents and cloud reflectivity, Rockstrom said. Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • Unmoored from the family unit, and inflated by success and ambition, she is left to roam the rainy hills like a beast that has exiled itself from conventional society.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 June 2026
  • That store, in a mixed use development on South Coast Highway 101, faced lagging sales and was one of nine to close nationwide as the chain — months shy of its acquisition by Amazon — faced new competition from Walmart and other conventional grocers.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Students at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill designed and 3D-printed a new version of the vuvuzela, the loud plastic horn that became infamous during past international soccer tournaments.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • Morgan and Tilis have other potential extensions to sort out over the next few months, as cornerback Mike Jackson and quarterback Bryce Young are among potential candidates for new deals.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The museum takes visitors on an insightful journey through the past, present and future of Mississippi's pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement, including the history of slavery in the state and the beginnings of the Jim Crow era.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • Each defendant present in court is allowed to react to statements made in the proceedings.
    Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Reid plays this so well, but the direction is a little over the top, with drug-trip visuals that are too distracting to follow the dense-as-ever disjointed narration.
    Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 8 June 2026
  • The suspect appeared to fire a gun indiscriminately in the direction of several people and then ran back toward the apartments, Perez said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
Noun
  • The Yankees invited him to throw out a first pitch; the Orlando Magic gave him courtside seats and fans got wind of the effort and started flooding his social media with messages and pleas.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Residents can expect wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Laurie Metcalf, confirming her standing as the First Lady of the American Theater, won for her portrayal of Linda Loman, a more formidable than usual interpretation of Willy’s stalwart wife.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • Above the factory floor, the big bosses determined our production goals for the day, as usual.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Walk through a gallery of bronze busts immortalizing the game's greatest players and learn about the evolution of the game from the days of leather helmets to modern gear.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • That's far lower than the traditional 90-day window, and significantly lower than the more modern 45-day barrier.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • As of Sunday, sheriff’s officials had made no arrests in the shooting, with the investigation ongoing.
    Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • Netanyahu faces elections this fall and is under heavy public pressure to strike back against ongoing Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.
    Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on current

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster