overtone
noun
over·tone
ˈō-vər-ˌtōn 
1
a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
b
2
: the color of the light reflected (as by a paint)
3
: a secondary effect, quality, or meaning : suggestion, connotation
Examples of overtone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From undertones to overtones The feminist undertones were less subtle in other projects.
—
David Faris, theweek, 24 July 2024
Some of the attacks have had racist and antisemitic overtones, with people taking aim at the couple’s interracial relationship and Emhoff’s Jewish heritage.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 July 2024
Today's newsletter contains National Geographic overtones ... A shark in the Great Lakes is pretty much impossible, but one shark is the exception — the bull shark.
—Leah Olajide, Detroit Free Press, 16 July 2024
The song and particularly its video have been accused or bearing racist overtones.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overtone 
David Faris, theweek, 24 July 2024
Some of the attacks have had racist and antisemitic overtones, with people taking aim at the couple’s interracial relationship and Emhoff’s Jewish heritage.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 July 2024
Today's newsletter contains National Geographic overtones ... A shark in the Great Lakes is pretty much impossible, but one shark is the exception — the bull shark.
—Leah Olajide, Detroit Free Press, 16 July 2024
The song and particularly its video have been accused or bearing racist overtones.
—Jem Aswad, Variety, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for overtone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overtone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Overtone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overtone. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
overtone
noun
over·tone
-ˌtōn
1
: any of a series of higher tones related to and produced along with a base tone that make up the whole sound of a musical tone
2
: an accompanying result, quality, or meaning : suggestion
the words carried an overtone of menace
Medical Definition
overtone
noun
over·tone
ˈō-vər-ˌtōn
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone
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