CURRENT Synonyms: 173 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'current' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of current are drift , tendency , tenor , and trend . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: When would 'drift' be a good substitute for 'current'?

While in some cases nearly identical to current , drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: When might 'tendency' be a better fit than 'current'?

While the synonyms tendency and current are close in meaning, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: In what contexts can 'tenor' take the place of 'current'?

The words tenor and current can be used in similar contexts, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

Q: When can 'trend' be used instead of 'current'?

The meanings of trend and current largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

current 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkər-ənt

Definition of current next

as in conventional

accepted, used, or practiced by most people current wisdom on parenting favors allowing children lots of self-expression

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in new

being or involving the latest methods, concepts, information, or styles current therapies for treating cancer have success rates that were undreamed of only a few decades ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in present

existing or in progress right now the current fund-raising effort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

current

2 of 2

noun

as in direction

a prevailing or general movement or inclination the currents of fashion are always changing

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in wind

noticeable movement of air in a particular direction curtains that were being lightly lifted by a fresh current from the open window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word current different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of current are drift, tendency, tenor, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

When would drift be a good substitute for current?

While in some cases nearly identical to current, drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than current?

While the synonyms tendency and current are close in meaning, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

In what contexts can tenor take the place of current?

The words tenor and current can be used in similar contexts, but tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When can trend be used instead of current?

The meanings of trend and current largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Examples of current in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But between the increasing sophistication of AI and the relative lack of information out there about Swift’s current political views, some explanation is warranted. —

Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2024 Now, Annie Clark (her non-nom de plume) is still just as humanized on stage, even as her current, haunted brand of rock ‘n’ roll leads her down some dimmer corridors. —

Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2024

Noun

While their two tubes and a paddle board were tied up, the branch knocked them into the water with a strong current. —

Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Aug. 2024 Cash is one of the coolest artists in the game, boasting a signature sound replete with a dance that simulates a flowing ocean current. —

Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for current

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'current.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.