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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
Although demand for soundstages outstripped supply a few years ago, production has recently slowed and dampened the current need for them. Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025 The Royals have not been as publicly adamant in their stance to duplicate the current funding mechanism through the county, and Lucas and his office have been more involved in talks with the Royals than the Chiefs. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 May 2025
Noun
This practice involves buzzing next to flowers whose pollen is only released when there is a powerful air current next to their anthers so that pollen can be released to the adjacent female stigmas, facilitating pollination. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 10 May 2025 But even more than a cartographic tweak, Trump's focus on geographical names has tapped into the deep currents driving territorial disputes around the world for centuries: nationalism, authority, historical memory and cultural identity. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • Sorry to break it to the rest of the industry, but Aston Martin’s design team is still cooking with gas, fire, conventional weapons, atomic bombs, etc.
    Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 12 May 2025
  • In McPherson’s age, preaching—not unlike the work of an influencer today—was a way for people, especially women, to gain social power and financial success without working a conventional job.
    Dorothy Fortenberry, The Atlantic, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Available beginning May 12 for a limited time at participating Krispy Kreme shops, the Krispy Kreme x Pac-Man Collection features three new doughnuts in a custom Pac-Man game dozen box.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • In addition to offering previously unattainable data rates, Wi-Fi 7 will employ new technologies to reduce latency, increase network capacity, and boost efficiency.
    Iyaz Akhtar, PC Magazine, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Andrews brought up the topic when the two discussed Belichick being present to watch Hudson compete in the Miss Maine USA pageant over the weekend.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 13 May 2025
  • In practice, this means making time for one-on-one check-ins, sharing sincere recognition, and being fully present in meetings.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Navigators calculate their position by keeping track of their starting point, direction, speed and time at sea.
    The Conversation, The Conversation, 14 May 2025
  • While the 'legitimate interest' assessment is always a multi-factor test, all factors seem to point in the wrong direction for Meta.
    Ashley Belanger – May 14, ArsTechnica, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • The storms are predicted to bring wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, mallards can fly 55 miles per hour while migrating, or faster when flying in the direction of the wind.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • No defense adjustments to deal with Collier and Arike inconsistent freelancing as usual.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Of all Recall’s risks, the capture of secure comms and documents outside of their usual enclave is top of the list.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • His visit is a divergence from the tradition among modern U.S. presidents to visit Mexico or Canada during their first foreign trip, which comes after his administration levied tariffs against the neighboring nations early in his term.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Cosby is a gifted novelist whose passionate writing about the modern South has garnered him much critical praise and the admiration of President Obama.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Headlines often mention the ongoing power struggle between President Donald Trump’s administration and private colleges such as Columbia University and Harvard University.
    Amy Li, The Conversation, 16 May 2025
  • Our clients intend to fully cooperate with LASD's ongoing investigation in the pursuit of seeking justice for themselves and others that may have been similarly assaulted by him.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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