undertone

noun

un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn How to pronounce undertone (audio)
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 The mezzanine seating featured a flip-down teak bar to port with a flip-up window with Australian undertones. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Available in 29 shades and three undertones, it can be applied with fingers or a brush. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 With its great setting, murder mystery and scary supernatural undertones, Night Country has become another hit in the True Detective series. Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 The 24-shade range includes light, medium, medium deep, and deep skin tones with cool, neutral, warm, and olive undertones. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2024 The red undertones add a sense of warmth to any space, and the finish is versatile enough to go with a variety of bedroom styles. Olivia Muenter, Peoplemag, 5 Feb. 2024 Sri’s charm takes on calculated undertones, Mira’s confidence shakes in the face of unexpected feelings and Anila’s motivations for hawkishly watching her daughter seem more complicated. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Jan. 2024 Created by makeup artist Tisha Thompson, the brand features makeup that is ideal for tweens with diverse undertones and subtones in their skin. Rich Scherr, Parents, 9 Jan. 2024 Likewise, red with a blue undertone becomes a cool shade of red. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Jan. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undertone was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near undertone

Cite this Entry

“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

undertone

noun
un·​der·​tone ˈən-dər-ˌtōn How to pronounce undertone (audio)
1
: a low or quiet tone
2
: a faint color as seen through and changing another color

More from Merriam-Webster on undertone

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