undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn How to pronounce undertone (audio)
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 are 20 shades to choose from, ranging from 1.0 BH (fair with neutral undertones) to 20.0 WLA (rich dark brown with neutral undertones). Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024 The Red Lava Citrus candle is invigorating, dynamic, and refreshing with a warm undertones. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Apr. 2024 Yet even with these dark undertones, the book is both a quick read and hilarious. Ilana Masad, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2024 Suitable for all skin types and available in various shades and undertones, this powder gives the skin a soft and blurring effect while also absorbing oil and controlling shine. Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024 Gyllenhaal also manages to pivot to a paternal softness in scenes with his character's daughter while still maintaining the always-present undertones of aggression. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 The fragrance, which is infused with essential oils, is crafted with notes of crisp air, fresh laundry, and sweetened floral undertones. Emily Weaver, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024 But, unsurprisingly, the nation’s most popular game of chance has a sinister undertone as major lotteries capitalize on people’s hopes and dangle the ever-elusive carrot of a jackpot over financially vulnerable Americans. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024 Bring in creams and whites for balance, sticking to colors that have slight gray-green undertones for a cohesive look. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Mar. 2024

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.

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undertone was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near undertone

Cite this Entry

“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

undertone

noun
un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn How to pronounce undertone (audio)
1
: a low or quiet tone
2
: a faint color as seen through and changing another color

More from Merriam-Webster on undertone

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