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
Bottega Veneta offers a timeless iteration with a rebellious undertone, while Hereu and G.H. Bass incorporate woven details for a lighter, transitional take.
—
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 June 2024
Ning suggests those with cool undertones opt for NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream shades with a blue base, like Fuzzy Slippers, Onesie Funsie, and Cherry Crème.
—Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024
Basil’s unique, intoxicating flavor might be described as spicy-sweet floral with undertones of pepper and mint and, according to some palates, mild anise with hints of clove.
—Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 11 June 2024
Our home’s previous owners painted every wall a cool, semi-glossed gray with greenish undertones.
—Liz Raiss, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for undertone 
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 20 June 2024
Ning suggests those with cool undertones opt for NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream shades with a blue base, like Fuzzy Slippers, Onesie Funsie, and Cherry Crème.
—Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 12 June 2024
Basil’s unique, intoxicating flavor might be described as spicy-sweet floral with undertones of pepper and mint and, according to some palates, mild anise with hints of clove.
—Betty Cahill, The Denver Post, 11 June 2024
Our home’s previous owners painted every wall a cool, semi-glossed gray with greenish undertones.
—Liz Raiss, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for undertone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'undertone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near undertone
Cite this Entry
“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 2 Jul. 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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