undertow
5 synonyms for undertow, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
sea puss
sea-puss
sea purse
sea-purse
sea-poose
How to use undertow
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
strong undertow
undertow of resentment
Etymology
From under- plus tow, describing a current that tows or drags things beneath the surface.
Full origin of undertow →Frequently asked questions
What does “undertow” mean?
The word “undertow” means a strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks. In plain terms, a pulling current under the water, or figuratively, a hidden feeling beneath the surface of a situation.
How do you use “undertow” in a sentence?
Here is “undertow” used in a sentence: “Swimmers were warned about a dangerous undertow near the pier.”
What part of speech is “undertow”?
“Undertow” is a noun.
How many meanings does “undertow” have?
“Undertow” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong current beneath the surface of the water that pulls back out to sea after a wave breaks.
