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
Such sadness is the stealthy undercurrent of Lunch Dances.
—
Brian Schaefer
july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Good news: amidst the badge-waving and VIP wristband wielding, there's a glorious undercurrent of free events waiting to be discovered.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There was plenty of good humor and an undercurrent of naughtiness and rebellion.
—Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Community, in every sense, is the undercurrent of my work.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for undercurrent
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.
Brian Schaefer
july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Good news: amidst the badge-waving and VIP wristband wielding, there's a glorious undercurrent of free events waiting to be discovered.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
There was plenty of good humor and an undercurrent of naughtiness and rebellion.
—Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025
Community, in every sense, is the undercurrent of my work.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 June 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 18 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share