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
Instead of the deep wine and burgundy shades that are popular in the fall and winter, Jenner’s red is a bright cherry color with cool undertones.
—
Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
This deep-neutral brown with warm undertones delivers a rich color payoff in a single swipe.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
The Mossy Aura trim provides a neutral green with warm undertones.
—Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Yellow comes in a plethora of tints and hues, but the ones that invoke the vibe of the ‘70s have earthy undertones, with colors like harvest gold and mustard yellow among the most loved.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for undertone
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Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 28 Apr. 2025
This deep-neutral brown with warm undertones delivers a rich color payoff in a single swipe.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 24 Apr. 2025
The Mossy Aura trim provides a neutral green with warm undertones.
—Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Yellow comes in a plethora of tints and hues, but the ones that invoke the vibe of the ‘70s have earthy undertones, with colors like harvest gold and mustard yellow among the most loved.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 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 17 May. 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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