set the tone
idiom
: to establish a quality, feeling, or attitude by a manner of speaking or writing
Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview.
Examples of set the tone in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those former Los Angeles players, along with former Kansas City Chiefs lineman Turk Wharton, will need to set the tone for the playoff road ahead.
—
Mike Kaye
january 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes set the tone before kickoff by ejecting Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and his equipment from the area where the Chiefs were warming up.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
The designer anticipates a definite shift from floral to geometric motifs, with bold color-blocking techniques that will set the tone in a room.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
McNeal set the tone early Sunday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as the Cardinals tried to win their fourth NCAA Division III national title in their sixth straight appearance in the Stagg Bowl.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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Mike Kaye
january 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Jan. 2026
Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes set the tone before kickoff by ejecting Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and his equipment from the area where the Chiefs were warming up.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2026
The designer anticipates a definite shift from floral to geometric motifs, with bold color-blocking techniques that will set the tone in a room.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2026
McNeal set the tone early Sunday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as the Cardinals tried to win their fourth NCAA Division III national title in their sixth straight appearance in the Stagg Bowl.
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
Cite this Entry
“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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