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
By contrast, Trump was tapping a powerful undercurrent: The deeply unpopular Biden record, especially on the economy.
—
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024
Water poured into the streets, sweeping cars and people away in its undercurrents.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
Maybe the focus on behavior misses the undercurrent of emotions that makes all the behavior meaningful, as our own emotions do.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
The fragrance has a touch of pine, with a strong sandalwood and amber undercurrent that pairs well with your surroundings.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent 
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Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024
Water poured into the streets, sweeping cars and people away in its undercurrents.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
Maybe the focus on behavior misses the undercurrent of emotions that makes all the behavior meaningful, as our own emotions do.
—Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024
The fragrance has a touch of pine, with a strong sandalwood and amber undercurrent that pairs well with your surroundings.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent
Dictionary Entries Near undercurrent
Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 16 Nov. 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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