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
Take your pick of 40 shades across four undertones (warm, cool, neutral, and olive).
—
Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
Smoky, umami undertones bring depth, creating a beverage that Don Draper and the Mad Men crew would appreciate.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Pineapple Express stands out with its vibrant citrus and lemon flavor, complemented by an earthy undertone.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Whether blended with zesty citrus or deep, woody undertones, ginger gives any fragrance a lively character that will complement the cozy layers of your winter gear.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for undertone 
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Kiana Murden, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025
Smoky, umami undertones bring depth, creating a beverage that Don Draper and the Mad Men crew would appreciate.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Pineapple Express stands out with its vibrant citrus and lemon flavor, complemented by an earthy undertone.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
Whether blended with zesty citrus or deep, woody undertones, ginger gives any fragrance a lively character that will complement the cozy layers of your winter gear.
—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for undertone
Dictionary Entries Near undertone
Cite this Entry
“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 1 Feb. 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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