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
Mainstays Snow Leopard Faux Fur Pillow Rich textures can set the tone just as well as bold colors, and this 18-by-18-inch pillow in faux snow leopard fur brings a warm, inviting feel with a neutral edge.
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Miles Walls, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024
How your contact center performs during your busy season can set the tone for your performance throughout the year.
—Trevor Clark, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
Just like in Game 3, Betts set the tone with a first-inning homer, connecting on a full-count fastball in the middle of the zone.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024
Against the Jets, Denver set the tone from the jump and didn’t let up until the clock hit zero in the fourth quarter.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the tone 
Miles Walls, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024
How your contact center performs during your busy season can set the tone for your performance throughout the year.
—Trevor Clark, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
Just like in Game 3, Betts set the tone with a first-inning homer, connecting on a full-count fastball in the middle of the zone.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024
Against the Jets, Denver set the tone from the jump and didn’t let up until the clock hit zero in the fourth quarter.
—Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for set the tone
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'set the tone.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near set the tone
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“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
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