current 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkər-ənt How to pronounce current (audio)
Definition of currentnext
1
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
2
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
3
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

1
as in direction
a prevailing or general movement or inclination the currents of fashion are always changing

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
Illinois is among 48 states sued, 19 of whom a judge ordered not to hand over a copy of a current statewide voter registration list to the federal government. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 On the current path, the perfect storm stops being a scenario and becomes the operating environment. — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
An increasingly high number of Georgia drivers are paying four figures a month just to keep their car payment current. — Carson Bonner, AJC.com, 24 July 2026 These maps account for a range of variables, including cargo-shipping routes, surface currents, wind patterns, and the unpredictable drift of objects at sea. — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for current
Recent Examples of Synonyms for current
  1. conventional
  2. new
  3. present
  4. direction
  5. wind
  6. usual
  7. modern
  8. ongoing
Adjective
  • The bar’s aesthetic verges on Brutalist, with walls made of concrete blocks, uniform round tables, and stone chairs affixed to the floor, but its offerings are a more conventional list of classic cocktails, including Spritzes and Negronis.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Using free waste materials alongside commercially scalable production processes makes this cutting-edge nanotechnology much cheaper to manufacture than conventional repellents.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of conventional
Adjective
  • That same year, Wolfram set out on an ambitious new direction in science aimed at understanding the origins of complexity in nature.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • If your crepe myrtles aren’t receiving enough light, transplant them to a new growing location when the plants are dormant in winter.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of new
Adjective
  • Also make sure all parts are present, and ask to see the telescope set-up if possible.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The past-present juxtapositions—of bodies, circumstances, attitudes, and even film stock—made for a sly and poignant ode to (or lament over) time’s passage.
    — Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of present
Noun
  • The Azure DevOps case makes the same point from the other direction.
    — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • When the containers opened, the butterflies scattered in every direction.
    — Sophia Buonpane, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of direction
Noun
  • Strong winds were dying down Monday, raising hopes that the nearly 500 firefighters battling the blaze could manage to halt its advance.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Flights over the Nazca Lines departing from the nearby Maria Reiche Airport had been suspended on Friday due to winds exceeding 25 mph, which kicked up dust ⁠and ​reduced visibility.
    — Joe Kottke, NBC news, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind
Adjective
  • Malnati will have to hold off a field that is stronger than usual in Detroit.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Lincoln City Manager Sean Scully joked about the unusual scene when asked by The Sacramento Bee why council members and staff had traded their usual attire for Western wear.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of usual
Adjective
  • Monastiq is an all-day restaurant with a modern take on traditional Czech cuisine, complete with special menus for kids as well as a seasonal selection of dishes.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Though guests will love the home’s open-concept layout, gourmet kitchen, and modern touches, the great outdoors are the main draw.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of modern
Adjective
  • Secret Service officials have also highlighted threats against Trump from foreign actors, including Iran—amid the ongoing war.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation remains ongoing, and the case has been presented to the district attorney for consideration.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of ongoing

Browse Nearby Words

currency
current
currently
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Cite this Entry

“Current.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/current. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on current

Nglish: Translation of current for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about current

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