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
Markle first announced the release of the rosé on June 20, accompanied by As Ever’s summer drop, which introduced two new products: an Apricot Spread, priced at $9, and an Orange Blossom Honey, retailing at $28, which features floral notes and citrus undertones.
—
Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Another common misstep is ignoring undertones, which can result in clashing colors that disrupt the overall harmony of your exterior.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Best Colors for Wood Cabinets with Orange Undertones Mahogany, honey oak, and alder cabinets have orange undertones that pair well with blue walls—orange's complement.
—Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025
Chrisley's hair appeared slightly grown out to shoulder length and was colored in a bright blonde with subtle highlights and an ash undertone.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
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Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
Another common misstep is ignoring undertones, which can result in clashing colors that disrupt the overall harmony of your exterior.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
Best Colors for Wood Cabinets with Orange Undertones Mahogany, honey oak, and alder cabinets have orange undertones that pair well with blue walls—orange's complement.
—Monika Biegler Eyers, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 2025
Chrisley's hair appeared slightly grown out to shoulder length and was colored in a bright blonde with subtle highlights and an ash undertone.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
Cite this Entry
“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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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