overtone
noun
over·tone
| \ ˈō-vər-ˌtōn
\
\
Definition of overtone
1a
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone : harmonic sense 1a
b
: harmonic sense 2
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
Rather than take the allegations to a grand jury, the prosecutor directly filed charges against Miller in a case that had the potential for political overtones. — Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star, "How crimes involving public officials are handled, from judges' shooting to Dan Forestal," 18 Aug. 2019 Beijing has been making ominous overtones for months and has a few options available. — Eamon Barrett, Fortune, "Trump Ties Hong Kong Protests to China Trade Deal in a Move That Could Backfire," 15 Aug. 2019 That said, not everyone is entirely happy with the community’s stereotypically masculine overtones. — Steven T. Wright, Vox, "Meet the men obsessed with carrying all the right stuff," 24 July 2019 Dowd also alludes to Trump's warm feelings about Flynn - which, when heard in the actual audio, carries clear overtones that point to a potential pardon. — Author: Aaron Blake, Anchorage Daily News, "No collusion vs. no conspiracy: Key questions Mueller could answer," 23 July 2019 Authorities believe the slaying had gang overtones. — Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, "Driver in 2014 Antioch slaying takes prison term via plea deal," 8 Aug. 2019 The story has racial overtones: The defendant is Puerto Rican; the jury originally was all white — and all male. — Matthew J. Palm, orlandosentinel.com, "CFCArts’ ‘12 Angry Jurors’ puts the audience in the courtroom," 2 Aug. 2019 However, Çavuşoğlu's claim, later disputed by Trump, has political overtones despite Turkey framing it as a criminal case. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, "Trump and Sweden don't see eye to eye – on anything," 2 Aug. 2019 Both disputes have generational, geographic and economic overtones that also reflect the candidates themselves. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Scooters, housing drive San Diego mayoral campaign dispute," 31 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'overtone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for overtone
overtone
noun
English Language Learners Definition of overtone
: an idea or quality that is suggested without being said directly
: a very small amount of something
music
: a higher tone that is part of the sound of a musical note
See the full definition for overtone in the English Language Learners Dictionary
overtone
noun
over·tone
| \ ˈō-vər-ˌtōn
\
\
Medical Definition of overtone
: one of the higher tones produced simultaneously with the fundamental and that with the fundamental comprise a complex musical tone
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