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
There's also a deep caramel undertone and vanilla, cinnamon, and oak notes.
—
Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Born on TikTok, this is an ideal choice for fall/winter thanks to its cool undertones; deep berry hues offer a hint of blue that adds a head-turning pop to any autumnal beauty look.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Not all off-white paint colors are alike—some have warm undertones and lean more toward taupe or even pink when paired with white trim, while others have green and gray undertones and pair well with a cool color palette.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Even Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 has velvety brown undertones while bringing in a hint of purple.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undertone 
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Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Born on TikTok, this is an ideal choice for fall/winter thanks to its cool undertones; deep berry hues offer a hint of blue that adds a head-turning pop to any autumnal beauty look.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2024
Not all off-white paint colors are alike—some have warm undertones and lean more toward taupe or even pink when paired with white trim, while others have green and gray undertones and pair well with a cool color palette.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Even Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate 2113-40 has velvety brown undertones while bringing in a hint of purple.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024
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 24 Nov. 2024.
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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