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
The undercurrent during the election is the looming expiration of 2017 tax cuts at the end of 2025.
—
Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
Pluto, on the other hand, is the planet of power, transformation and the darker undercurrents of life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024
The aromas lean heavily toward agave, but there’s an undercurrent of citrus, pepper and mint.
—Kevin Gray, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Pulling undercurrents to the surface and displaying intimate relationships in the harsh glare of civic power, Guiraudie exposes the erotic energy on which society runs and the soul-killing repression that smothers small-town life like a pall.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent 
Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024
Pluto, on the other hand, is the planet of power, transformation and the darker undercurrents of life.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024
The aromas lean heavily toward agave, but there’s an undercurrent of citrus, pepper and mint.
—Kevin Gray, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024
Pulling undercurrents to the surface and displaying intimate relationships in the harsh glare of civic power, Guiraudie exposes the erotic energy on which society runs and the soul-killing repression that smothers small-town life like a pall.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undercurrent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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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