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
Their everlasting merrymaking might seem warm and fuzzy at first glance, but in truth, there is a gloomy undercurrent to their existence, hiding just beneath the surface.
—
Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2025
Beneath the shimmering visceral pleasures of the summer months lies a sinister undercurrent.
—James Factora, Them., 22 May 2025
But the coaching fraternity is a small one, and there’s typically a persistent undercurrent of respect amongst the 32 individuals.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Wolff’s desire for connection is an undercurrent of the film, through his interactions with his brother, Braxton (Bernthal).
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2025
Beneath the shimmering visceral pleasures of the summer months lies a sinister undercurrent.
—James Factora, Them., 22 May 2025
But the coaching fraternity is a small one, and there’s typically a persistent undercurrent of respect amongst the 32 individuals.
—Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Wolff’s desire for connection is an undercurrent of the film, through his interactions with his brother, Braxton (Bernthal).
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 30 Apr. 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 2 Jun. 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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