set the tone
phrase
: 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
That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2026
His personality and leadership set the tone for everybody else.
—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 July 2026
Executives must set the tone that governance and innovation aren't competing priorities but complementary ones.
—
Kevin Thompson,
Forbes.com,
25 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2026
His personality and leadership set the tone for everybody else.
—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
1 July 2026
Executives must set the tone that governance and innovation aren't competing priorities but complementary ones.
—
Kevin Thompson,
Forbes.com,
25 Feb. 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 4 Jul. 2026.
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