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

Some view it as having racist undertones, according to Britannica. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 22 Feb. 2025

Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? —Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025

Shade Range: The true test of inclusivity in a concealer is its shade range—a measure of options to suit fair to deep skin tones, also taking into consideration of undertones: olive, neutral, and golden. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025

Lamar packed the halftime show with all-star cameos, political undertones, and choreography moves that not everyone watching picked up on. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids 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