overtone
noun
over·tone
ˈō-vər-ˌtōn 
1
a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
b
2
: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3
: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation
Examples of overtone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lock the doors, unplug the appliances, and leave the children to their own devices—a phrase that didn’t used to have technological overtones, but if there were ever a time to waive your no-screens policy, along with all your other policies, this is it.
—
Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
After decades spent looking up at the Americans, Canada has turned the tables in its biggest soccer rivalry — although this match had no obvious political overtones after the discord created last month at the 4 Nations hockey tournament by President Donald Trump’s bombastic rhetoric and tariff war.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Lots of stuff about Kevin Spacey masturbating in the shower (a scene in American Beauty), with plenty of gay overtones.
—Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
With overtones of the spooky spoon bit in the horror movie Get Out, the singer stirs a cup of tea and then lets go as the spoon continues its circles without her.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
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Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2025
After decades spent looking up at the Americans, Canada has turned the tables in its biggest soccer rivalry — although this match had no obvious political overtones after the discord created last month at the 4 Nations hockey tournament by President Donald Trump’s bombastic rhetoric and tariff war.
—Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025
Lots of stuff about Kevin Spacey masturbating in the shower (a scene in American Beauty), with plenty of gay overtones.
—Bill Wyman, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
With overtones of the spooky spoon bit in the horror movie Get Out, the singer stirs a cup of tea and then lets go as the spoon continues its circles without her.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overtone
Cite this Entry
“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overtone
noun
over·tone
-ˌtōn
1
: any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2
: an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : suggestion
the words carried an overtone of menace
Medical Definition
overtone
noun
over·tone
ˈō-vər-ˌtōn
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone
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