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
It may be interpreted as neglect Along with disconnection, benign neglect may also spurn undertones of neglect.
—
Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024
The toasted oak comes through on the nose, along with undertones of coffee.
—Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
This recipe is similar to a traditional Texas Sheet Cake, but with more spicy undertones, thanks to the soda.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
She’s layered with a smooth, sultry undertone of musk.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for undertone 
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Emily Shiffer, Parents, 17 Dec. 2024
The toasted oak comes through on the nose, along with undertones of coffee.
—Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
This recipe is similar to a traditional Texas Sheet Cake, but with more spicy undertones, thanks to the soda.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2024
She’s layered with a smooth, sultry undertone of musk.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 12 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 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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