undertone
noun
un·der·tone
ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 
1
: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound
2
: a quality (as of emotion) underlying the surface of an utterance or action
3
: a subdued color
specifically
: a color seen through and modifying another color
Examples of undertone in a Sentence
She commented in an undertone that the music was really not very good.
The play is a comedy with dark undertones.
The fabric is a rich brown color with undertones of red.
Recent Examples on the Web
Their signature style is a clear subgenre of cumbia that blends hypnotic tropical rhythms with the rawness of the traditional Amazonian sounds, infused with psychedelic undertones.
—
Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
Some shades lean mauve-beige, others are soft and sheer with a hint of pink or peach, and some go deeper with rich brown undertones or closely mimic the natural color of your nail beds.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
From vibrant versions with cooler undertones, like Megan’s, to softer ginger shades (see: Sadie Sink’s natural color), expect copper’s dominance to continue this year.
—Avery Stone, Allure, 17 Apr. 2025
The English-language erotic tale with surreal undertones will world premiere next month in Cannes’ ACID sidebar.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
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Pamela Bustios, Billboard, 21 Apr. 2025
Some shades lean mauve-beige, others are soft and sheer with a hint of pink or peach, and some go deeper with rich brown undertones or closely mimic the natural color of your nail beds.
—Iman Balagam, Vogue, 19 Apr. 2025
From vibrant versions with cooler undertones, like Megan’s, to softer ginger shades (see: Sadie Sink’s natural color), expect copper’s dominance to continue this year.
—Avery Stone, Allure, 17 Apr. 2025
The English-language erotic tale with surreal undertones will world premiere next month in Cannes’ ACID sidebar.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
Cite this Entry
“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
undertone
noun
un·der·tone
ˈən-dər-ˌtōn
1
: a low or quiet tone
2
: a faint color as seen through and changing another color
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