undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
| \ ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt
, -ˌkə-rənt\
, -ˌkə-rənt\
Definition of undercurrent
1
: a current below the upper currents or surface
2
: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown
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Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence
You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.
Recent Examples on the Web
The series is about the socio-economical, gender, political, racial issues that are wrapped up in sneakers and that undercurrent. — Nandi Howard, Essence, "Exclusive: Reebok Collabs With Jazerai Allen-Lord For Club C Sneaker," 28 Aug. 2019 My hope is that the finale will be strong enough to make the themes and emotional undercurrent of season three work as well in retrospect as the pure plot mechanics are working right now. — Emily Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "The Handmaid’s Tale puts the pieces in place for its finale," 7 Aug. 2019 But the pianist was uninterested in pyrotechnical display for its own sake, instead consistently probing the meanings and undercurrents of this music. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "CSO review: Bronfman and Ax take on Brahms Piano Concertos," 3 Aug. 2019 Often, there was an undercurrent of humor in these juxtapositions. — Allan Kozinn, BostonGlobe.com, "Michael Colgrass, composer who transcended genres, dies at 87," 10 July 2019 This crucial element was an undercurrent to Van Halen. — Corey Seymour, Vogue, "131 Totally Uncensored Minutes with David Lee Roth, From His New Tattoo Skincare Line to the Secret of Van Halen," 11 Dec. 2018 The racial undercurrents of the league adds another layer of sensitivity: most of the players are black, and an overwhelming majority of team owners are white — Michael Jordan is the lone black majority owner. — Sean Gregory/oakland, Time, "The NBA Finals Shoving Incident Reopens Wounds," 7 June 2019 The undercurrents of homophobia, sometimes obvious but often subtle, persist in film today. — Dan Kopf, Quartzy, "Before We Knew Better: Transphobia was at the very center of Ace Ventura," 31 May 2019 The undercurrents of contemporary American society that Roth channeled now wash over us daily. — James Panero, WSJ, "Where’s the Mercy in ‘Social Justice’?," 23 Jan. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'undercurrent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for undercurrent
undercurrent
noun
English Language Learners Definition of undercurrent
: a flow of water that moves below the surface of the ocean or a river
: a hidden feeling or tendency that is usually different from the one that is easy to see or understand
See the full definition for undercurrent in the English Language Learners Dictionary
undercurrent
noun
un·der·cur·rent
| \ ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt
\
\
Kids Definition of undercurrent
1
: a flow of water that moves below the surface
2
: a hidden feeling or tendency often different from the one openly shown
She sensed an undercurrent of dissatisfaction.