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

Ramazzotti's Aperitivo Rosato is a light aperitif liqueur featuring orange blossom and hibiscus, giving it the fruity notes of Sarti Rosa with the addition of floral undertones. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025

The legacy of slavery was an undertone — overtone, really — to Our Native Daughters’ lone album, so this first set naturally contained an unfair share of the most emotionally rife numbers of the night. —Chris Willman, Variety, 21 June 2025

Similar to the original Black Honey, the magic is in the neutrality of its undertones. —Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 20 June 2025

On the palate, smoked agave mingles with fresh lemon and mineral undertones, giving way to a silky, lightly smoky finish. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 17 June 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