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
Black Salt Games has partnered with production company Story Kitchen to create a live-action feature adaptation of the single-player Lovecraftian fishing adventure with a sinister undercurrent.
—
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
The friction between Nightingale and her jealous, unstable older sister provides a crucial undercurrent to the central action of Pritchard’s novel.
—Alida Becker, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undercurrent 
Katcy Stephan, Variety, 9 Apr. 2024
The friction between Nightingale and her jealous, unstable older sister provides a crucial undercurrent to the central action of Pritchard’s novel.
—Alida Becker, New York Times, 19 Mar. 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Undercurrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undercurrent. Accessed 5 May. 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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