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

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of current

Adjective

Day joined Smart and Swinney as the only three current FBS head coaches with a national championship on their resume. —

Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 6 Feb. 2025 Given the current state of hiring, those prospects are harder, Pollak said, adding that if the severance packages do indeed go through September, that should provide enough time for people to find work. —

Alicia Wallace, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

Noun

Similarly, Bubb noted that urban environments can produce turbulent conditions when air currents encounter tall buildings and other structures on windy days. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 President Donald Trump’s first call with a foreign head of state since taking office was with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, a country with which Trump and his family have significant current – and pending − business interests. —

Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for current

Recent Examples of Synonyms for current

Adjective

There was no conventional way to insert the centre-forward Arsenal had been so painfully lacking in the first 69 minutes of the match.

— Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
But a truly effective Iron Dome system is hard to imagine without a laser component, given the high-speed nature and possibilities of being overwhelmed and running out of conventional air defense missiles.

— James Stavridis, The Mercury News, 15 Feb. 2025