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

Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 5 Sep. 2025

The 32-year-old, who shares three children — Kulture, 7, Wave, 3, and 11-month-old Blossom — with Offset, went on to call out the sexist undertones of the inquiry. —Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Clean aldehydic and ozonic undertones, along with aromatic facets further elevate this contrast. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Most viral videos about clankers have an undertone of humor, but the term is rooted in real frustrations. —Eli Tan, Twin Cities, 1 Sep. 2025

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