current 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce current (audio)
Definition of currentnext
1
as in conventional
accepted, used, or practiced by most people current wisdom on parenting favors allowing children lots of self-expression

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in new
being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles current therapies for treating cancer have success rates that were undreamed of only a few decades ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in present
existing or in progress right now the current fund-raising effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

current

2 of 2

noun

1
as in direction
a prevailing or general movement or inclination the currents of fashion are always changing

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
At first glance, the pension systems for state employees and municipal teachers almost two decades ago were in similar shape as the current ones. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 Premium economy updates Premium Plus seats on the 787-9s will feature privacy dividers and wireless charging, an update from the current premium economy configuration across United's fleet. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Noun
Boul was literally with his current come up wearing MY jewelry. —Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 May 2025 Do Not Panic Midway through the channel, unexpected currents pushed me off course. —Natalie Nixon, Flow Space, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
  1. conventional
  2. new
  3. present
  4. direction
  5. wind
  6. usual
  7. modern
  8. ongoing
Adjective
  • Though conventional stretch offers the wearer many advantages—like asset enhancing fits and more mobility, for example—the environment pays the price as elastane is, essentially, plastic.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
  • While conventional productivity tools address symptoms, one mindset consistently proves more effective as a long-term defense: curiosity.
    — Rob Robinson, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • The series invites young adventurers to explore the joys and challenges of moving to new places, meeting new people, discovering different cultures and building lasting friendships.
    — Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
  • The webcast is available on its website and on social media platform X. Coverage will also be available on SpaceX's new X TV app.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Definition of new
Adjective
  • Of course, these are dwarfed by the dizzying range of Gucci clothes and accessories present across the five floors of the building.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • The hotel's commitment to preserving architectural heritage while embracing modern amenities creates a compelling dialogue between past and present.
    — Malik Peay, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of present
Noun
  • Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Mahan has refused to back down, maintaining that making difficult decisions is necessary to steer San Jose in the right direction.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 26 May 2025
Definition of direction
Noun
  • Nuclear energy can offer a zero-emission source of stable baseload electricity even when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, but as the World Nuclear Association points out, almost all U.S. nuclear generating capacity comes from reactors built between 1967 and 1990.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Most trees in shallow soils or soils with a high water table that limits root growth are also likely to blow over during hurricane winds.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Definition of wind
Adjective
  • Recruiters are no longer confined to hiring in the same usual saturated areas, benefiting emerging tech hubs.
    — Nacho De Marco, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites, the Northern Irishman performed poorly in the event, which many attribute to his need to play with a different driver than usual.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • In India, wine culture takes off — with a vineyard scene that’s worth a trip A postcard from the sunrise side of Islamorada in the Florida Keys Florida News Meet Orlando’s dinkiest diva: Pearl, the world’s shortest dog Her origin story is a modern tale of love, attitude and cloning.
    — South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2025
  • Philosophers from John Rawls to Jürgen Habermas have argued for its essential place in modern democracy.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • China remains the hub for global electronics manufacturing, including for PC graphics cards, video game consoles, and smartphones, although companies have been moving their manufacturing to India, Vietnam and Taiwan to avoid Trump’s ongoing trade war.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 29 May 2025
  • Staff and wire reports REUTERS King Charles III is paying a highly symbolic visit to Canada, which recognizes him as its sovereign, amid ongoing claims by President Donald Trump that the nation should become America's 51st state.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 28 May 2025
Definition of ongoing

Browse Nearby Words

currency
current
currently
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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on current

Nglish: Translation of current for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about current

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