undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn 

1

: a low or subdued utterance or accompanying sound

She commented in an undertone that the music was not very good.

2

: a quality (as of emotion) that is present but not clear or obvious

The play is a comedy with dark undertones.

—often used with of

There was an undertone of fear in the city.

3

: a subdued color

specifically : a color seen through and modifying another color

a shade of blue with gray undertones

4

: a secondary or underlying flavor or scent

coffee with undertones of chocolate

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

Yet, Hizzoner’s visceral disdain for the Jewish state carries troubling undertones of antisemitism. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 25 July 2026

The name has Biblical undertones and refers to a theory that Adam (of Adam and Eve) had a first wife named Lilith, who committed adultery with Satan and transformed into an evil being who kidnaps children. — Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

The gentle off-white hue has a subtle yellow undertone, which creates an inviting atmosphere perfectly suited for the heart of the home. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2026

Bieber's nails were her preferred length and shape—medium almonds—and painted with a few coats of a creamy sky blue polish with a lilac-y undertone. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undertone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone

Kids 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