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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
Those two little words, your place, offer a first big hint as to the sometime-couple’s current status. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 4 Sep. 2025 Roughly 75% of Good Good’s current revenue comes from apparel, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
This combination of a gas made of heavy elements with Jupiter’s magnetic field and radiation-rich environment creates a plasma, permitting strong currents and creating permanent aurorae around Jupiter’s poles. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Sep. 2025 Swimmers are urged to stay out of the water in Mason, Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties, as dangerous currents are in place. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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
  • In Texas, capital murder comes into play when aggravating factors are present, such as the victim being under 15 years old.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Getty Images Warmer temperatures in the English Channel, where the Paluel plant draws from, mean that conditions for jellyfish reproduction are far easier, and there are more swarms present in the water to potentially disrupt the energy network.
    Theo Burman Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 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
  • Topline High-speed winds from a cooler, less dense spot on the sun’s surface may continue disrupting Earth’s magnetic field on Saturday, as more than a dozen states could have a chance to see the northern lights, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The whole movie, Greengrass has been giving audiences the wildfire’s POV, propelled by high winds and blowing embers in all directions.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Irish Open was snubbed from this latest National Open status upgrade wave, the golf-mad nation’s key event remains a highlight on the DP World Tour calendar, with venues that as usual stir a bit of wanderlust among golf travelers.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In Colorado, the aspens should offer good viewing from September through mid-October, though dry conditions may cause leaves to drop a bit earlier than usual, according to AccuWeather.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The planes are modern, with the average aircraft being less than seven years old.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the modern game, from Tests to T20s and The Hundred, each side will now tend to include more than one gun fielder.
    James Wallace, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As catalysts for the upgrade, the bank cited sustainable same-store sales growth potential and ongoing marketing efforts.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly in small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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