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 ofThere 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
Through writing the screenplay and collaborating with Young and Johnson, Harris was able to flesh out these characters in a way that heightened the tragic undertones of their story.
—
Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
That film crackled with undertones of class, sexuality and politics, with Dirk Bogarde playing the sociopathic manservant to acclaim.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Feminine floral notes, warm earthy hints, subtle citrus touches, and robust musky undertones—these are what make up some the most beloved and reminiscent perfumes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
The few street names in Happy Haven were determinedly upbeat, with Christian undertones.
—Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for undertone
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Lovia Gyarkye, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
That film crackled with undertones of class, sexuality and politics, with Dirk Bogarde playing the sociopathic manservant to acclaim.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Feminine floral notes, warm earthy hints, subtle citrus touches, and robust musky undertones—these are what make up some the most beloved and reminiscent perfumes.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
The few street names in Happy Haven were determinedly upbeat, with Christian undertones.
—Stephen King, The Atlantic, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for undertone
Cite this Entry
“Undertone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undertone. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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