undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō 
1
: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
2
: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent
Examples of undertow in a Sentence
Don't get caught in the undertow.
Recent Examples on the Web
The weight of those hormonal storm clouds is channeled in Anna Berg’s score, with lush romantic swells over a subtly disquieting undertow.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
The evocation of the boy’s impure actions, as well as the undertow of sexuality in both his parish priest’s solicitude and his father’s violence, caught the attention of the censors, who typically busied themselves outlawing pulp erotica.
—Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Regression to the mean is a universal undertow in sports and in life.
—Jordan Brenner, The Athletic, 14 July 2024
Blackness tugs at the corners of her vision, an undertow from every direction.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for undertow
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David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2025
The evocation of the boy’s impure actions, as well as the undertow of sexuality in both his parish priest’s solicitude and his father’s violence, caught the attention of the censors, who typically busied themselves outlawing pulp erotica.
—Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Regression to the mean is a universal undertow in sports and in life.
—Jordan Brenner, The Athletic, 14 July 2024
Blackness tugs at the corners of her vision, an undertow from every direction.
—Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for undertow
Cite this Entry
“Undertow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertow. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undertow
noun
un·der·tow
ˈən-dər-ˌtō
: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore
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