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

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Leaders who hesitate or hedge create confusion, while those who communicate decisively set the tone for purposeful action. Natasha Cox, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Lamps with shades that coordinate with the rest of the decor are an easier way to set the tone without any electrical work. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 This collection set the tone for what’s already shaping up to be an exciting week in Paris. Julian Randall, Essence, 25 June 2025 The sweltering heat at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, just outside Chicago, set the tone for Thug’s blazing spectacle, his first show since his 2022 arrest. Mark P. Braboy, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025 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 6 Jul. 2025.

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