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

This was an environment filled with adolescent energy and playfulness, but also an undertone of support. —Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026

New colors include Atollo Blue, a fresh interpretation of the brightest shade of indigo with a subtle red cast; Sencha Blue, a vintage hue with a greenish undertone; and Blue Zen, a dark shade that toes the line between heritage and craftsmanship and refined and premium. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026

Charred onions add a smoky undertone to this easy skillet salsa. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

Coordinate undertones across cabinets, walls, and trim to avoid clashing. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 7 Apr. 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