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current

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noun

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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
Fragmented mental models mean teams interpret current reality differently and then act at cross-purposes. Thomas Lim, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 That translates to up to a 50% improvement in production speed compared to current cycle times, turning additive manufacturing into a serious advantage for satellite constellations. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
Flash flooding currents are strong and can sweep drivers off roadways. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2025 The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road. Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • The technique might also yield interesting possibilities in cell therapy or precision surgery, where conventional tools are too large or blunt.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Such intimate screenings and parties will continue in different locations as the film makes its way into conventional theaters.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • That new equalized funding formula went into effect after a three-year transition period in 2024, when 44 groups each got $9,269, according to the three-year awards report.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Swiss transportation company Twiliner is kicking off a new night bus service later this year that will be more akin to a business class airline seat than your typical bus.
    Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Investigators also shared that Jones’ 4-year-old son was among the children present on the night of the shooting.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Jacek Najder, Poland's representative to NATO, was also present, the country's Foreign Ministry said.
    Will Gretsky, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Mother Monster took home the artist of the year award, best collaboration, best direction, and best art direction at the MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
    Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Once the band reaches your chest, slowly reverse the direction, keeping your elbows straight.
    Jakob Roze, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Saturday afternoon and evening, warning of storms with heavy rain, small hail, and wind gusts up to 40 mph in parts of north-central Colorado.
    Marco Cummings, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025
  • These winds, most common from September to May, pose a significant wildfire risk by drying out vegetation, the National Weather Service said.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, if a wildfire—even if far away—coincides with weather systems blowing pollution into your region, AirNow’s email will recommend staying indoors more than usual.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 10 Sep. 2025
  • As such, there’s always been a thrill of danger to every fight, but the difference this time around is that the stakes are far higher than usual.
    David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Information operations and psychological warfare are a key component of modern war — and arguably nowhere is this truer than in the Israel-Islamist conflict.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Watch a modern student tackle an assignment.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Authorities are combing through video from the scene, including this video which appears to show a person on the roof immediately following the shooting, according to sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • D4vd is currently on tour, making a stop in Milwaukee this weekend before the body discovery unfolded, and planned to continue his shows despite the ongoing investigation.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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