undertow

noun

un·​der·​tow ˈən-dər-ˌtō How to pronounce undertow (audio)
Synonyms of undertownext
1
: the current beneath the surface that sets seaward or along the beach when waves are breaking upon the shore
2
: an underlying current, force, or tendency that is in opposition to what is apparent
… a huge undertow of opinion among medical and legal experts who say that the country has gone too far in making resuscitation a matter of consumer choice.—Elisabeth Rosenthal

Examples of undertow in a Sentence

Don't get caught in the undertow.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Giants are caught too deep in the undertow for a salvage mission this season, but the timing was right to take a look at Tugboat. — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 This list is my small effort to stop the undertow of history from sucking up my favorite underseen shows from this uniquely abundant—and turbulent—century. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 That wistful undertow stems from Zimmerman’s casual acceptance of his advancing age. — Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Pitchfork, 22 June 2026 Are more acute vulnerabilities being exposed by the rise in yields, and will elevated inflation expectations create an undertow to equity valuations? — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for undertow

Word History

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undertow was in 1817

Rhymes for undertow

See All Rhymes for undertow

Browse Nearby Words

undertone
undertow
undertread
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undertow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertow. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

undertow

noun
un·​der·​tow ˈən-dər-ˌtō How to pronounce undertow (audio)
: a current beneath the surface of the water that moves away from or along the shore while the surface water above it moves toward the shore

More from Merriam-Webster on undertow

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for undertow

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about undertow

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