1
as in style
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words
the angry tone of his letter makes it clear he doesn't want to speak to me ever again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in shade
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished
fall fashions in deep jewel tones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others
all that showbiz glitz is out of keeping with the tone of the college
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of tone
The breathable cotton quilt is lightweight enough to use year-round, but the warm tones beckon for fall.
—
Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Chocolate tones seem to melt seamlessly into deeper skin, amplifying its natural glow instead of competing with it.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
The women talked about the event in quiet tones, trading stories of their own near-misses when their children were small—the sorts of scary stories that become funny anecdotes after nothing bad happens, like the time Mollie’s baby fell off a sled on the way home from Fort Greene Park.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The midi dress featured a champagne gold tone with sequins and tulle throughout.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone
Sheri Kaz, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Chocolate tones seem to melt seamlessly into deeper skin, amplifying its natural glow instead of competing with it.
—Larry Stansbury, Essence, 6 Oct. 2025
The women talked about the event in quiet tones, trading stories of their own near-misses when their children were small—the sorts of scary stories that become funny anecdotes after nothing bad happens, like the time Mollie’s baby fell off a sled on the way home from Fort Greene Park.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025
The midi dress featured a champagne gold tone with sequins and tulle throughout.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tone
Noun
-
Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan used another adjective to describe Dowdle’s running style.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The cabin-style home’s external features are just as impressive as what’s inside, too.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Our Matte Black Metal Candle Warmer Lamp features a modern black shade with a gold-tone accent, adding elegance to any space.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Oct. 2025
-
With metallic outfits and coordinating accessories, including silver hooped earrings, sparkling necklaces, super-cool shades, silver heels, and a beaded purse, Barbie Deluxe’s look is one that reigns supreme.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This season, with more self-belief and ice time and carryover chemistry with Pastrnak and Elias Lindholm, Geekie makes the most of his first-line ride.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Then, in late September, Inman Grant asked 16 more companies, ranging from gaming platforms such as Roblox to messaging apps such as WhatsApp, to self-assess whether the ban should also apply to them.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As detailed in the game’s big reveal, Black Ops 7 will once again be bursting at the seams with gameplay modes — somehow, even more than before.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
7 Oct. 2025
-
The baseline suction level is already strong, but the boost mode is on another level.—
Lauren Arzbaecher,
Architectural Digest,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The Policy Forum’s analysis found that educators in Wisconsin’s small districts were more likely to exit their jobs, as well as those working in urban districts and districts with mostly low-income students or students of color.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
For example, the interior walls can be customized with wallpaper, while the exterior color can be customized (for an additional cost).—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Wisdom from on high — and down low Henry is philosophical by nature.—
Neal Rubin,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The changing of the leaves draws nature enthusiasts, often called leaf-peepers, to see the bright colors from Hudson Valley, New York to Boulder, Colorado, and Snoqualmie Valley, Washington.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But while Barcelona’s 4-1 battering at the hands of Sevilla on Sunday — their heaviest loss in La Liga for over 10 years — will go down as a major shock, the manner of their defeat will be of little surprise to those who have endured the full thrill of Hansi Flick’s reign.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
-
There is no record of how William’s wife greeted the news of the instant stepson with the polished manners, who impressed even his hard-driving grandfather.—
Stacy Schiff,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Macklovich also shifted into a formal all-black tuxedo, and the wedding party donned different hues of pink for the ceremony.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
2 Oct. 2025
-
All visitors are struck by the long colored ribbon extending over a hundred yards throughout the store, drawing them inside to experience all its shimmering hues.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tone. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share