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
Psychiatric diagnosis, wrapped in scientific authority and tinged with essentialist undertones, offers a potent script.
—
Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
Peter Raeburn’s ominous score enhances the moody undertones.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024
Art reflects real life and has undertones of serious truths to everything, while delivery can be fun, whimsical, and out of the box.
—Essence, 3 May 2024
Farrell’s reasons for nixing any romantic undertones in the friendship between Sugar and Melanie were rooted in what seems to be part of his otherworldly being’s purpose on Earth –– to interact with the good and the bad of humanity.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 May 2024
The series claims that kid actors were made to wear suggestive costumes and act in inappropriate sketches with clearly pornographic undertones.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 2 May 2024
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 May 2024
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
Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 6 May 2024
Peter Raeburn’s ominous score enhances the moody undertones.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 May 2024
Art reflects real life and has undertones of serious truths to everything, while delivery can be fun, whimsical, and out of the box.
—Essence, 3 May 2024
Farrell’s reasons for nixing any romantic undertones in the friendship between Sugar and Melanie were rooted in what seems to be part of his otherworldly being’s purpose on Earth –– to interact with the good and the bad of humanity.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 May 2024
The series claims that kid actors were made to wear suggestive costumes and act in inappropriate sketches with clearly pornographic undertones.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 2 May 2024
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 May 2024
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
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 10 May. 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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