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noun

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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
The current total represents orders from stores that have taken a position early; the number of copies could skyrocket by April 30. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025 The bill also would prohibit jurisdictions from adding more restrictions beyond what current sanctuary law allows. Anabel Sosa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
Strong currents swept the tourists off the Arena Gorda beach, where the Riu República Hotel is located, the civil defense agency said on January 18 in a Facebook post. John Miller, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025 While there is a gorgeous expanse of waterfront, the current is notoriously treacherous here and most travelers should avoid the aggressive waves. Chris Dong, AFAR Media, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
Adjective
  • Until Alcaraz’s arrival on loan from Flamengo early last month, the squad was severely lacking in conventional No 10s.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Rotis made with conventional American whole wheat flour tend to be chewy, with barely any puff, and verge on bitter.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With respect to Korpisalo, the Sens’ love for their new goaltender has eclipsed their old flame.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Many of the lingerie-centric stage costumes worn by Carpenter have been custom collaborations with Victoria’s Secret, including new looks that debuted on March 5 with the kickoff of the tour’s European leg in Dublin.
    Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With members of his family present in the courtroom, Combs denied the allegations against him.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Activities Archive While that gimmick might get pretty old pretty fast on its own, what really elevates the film is a disturbing-dream-like quality which is present throughout its 14-minute-plus runtime.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This could lead to something big for the USA, a whole new direction and beginning!
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The home at 2195 Dias Dr. — which sits on nearly 99 acres with unobstructed views in every direction — is on the market for $2.25 million.
    David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Due to the previously dry conditions in states like Texas and Oklahoma, strong wind gusts resulted in wild fires in the Southern Plains, leading to the evacuation of some communities in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and New Mexico, the Associated Press reported.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For Lake Tahoe: southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • But this system had more impact than usual, experts said.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Billboard Artist aims to showcase musicians from fresh, unexpected angles going beyond their usual image to create something truly special.
    Billboard Korea, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In an era dominated by CGI, Hung emphasizes the physical authenticity that defined Hong Kong action while acknowledging modern techniques.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Then Charlton joined the club’s directors and was part of the appointment process that brought Alex Ferguson south from Aberdeen in 1986 to start a second wave of modern United success.
    Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The podcast comes at the heels of ongoing divorce rumors surrounding the former first couple.
    Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The role for O’Donnell will be his first ongoing part since NCIS: Los Angeles ended its long run on CBS in 2023.
    Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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