undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
2
: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown
undercurrent
adjective
Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence
You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
But there are emotional, political, and narrative undercurrents at work here.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The palate is big on ripe melon, rose water, and tea, with an undercurrent of oak before a fragrant and sweet finish.
—David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Wang Zhao | Afp | Getty Images BEIJING — The undercurrent of China’s annual parliamentary meetings this week is U.S. trade tensions — and how Chinese technology is offsetting that pressure.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
The ship transforms – its sleek, modern design pulses with an undercurrent of excitement.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The palate is big on ripe melon, rose water, and tea, with an undercurrent of oak before a fragrant and sweet finish.
—David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
Wang Zhao | Afp | Getty Images BEIJING — The undercurrent of China’s annual parliamentary meetings this week is U.S. trade tensions — and how Chinese technology is offsetting that pressure.
—Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
The ship transforms – its sleek, modern design pulses with an undercurrent of excitement.
—Josh Rivera, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
-ˌkər-ənt
-ˌkə-rənt
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
undercurrents of water
2
: a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown
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