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
Key Ingredients: Silk proteins, hibiscus flower extract Best For: Neutralizing brassy undertones for fresh-from-the-salon brunette hair.
—
Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance.
—Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
The finish is smooth, though short, with a lingering sweetness and oak undertones.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The best nude lipstick should enhance the pigment of your natural lip color — one far too light or in the wrong undertone can wash you out.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
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Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2025
The multi-dimensional tone is a bit more muted than her typical bright golden blonde, with new neutral undertones; Schwartz added a mix of highlights using Schwarzkopf Professional Vario Blond SuperPlus and lowlights with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance.
—Leah Prinzivalli, Allure, 3 Mar. 2025
The finish is smooth, though short, with a lingering sweetness and oak undertones.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
The best nude lipstick should enhance the pigment of your natural lip color — one far too light or in the wrong undertone can wash you out.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 28 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 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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