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
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
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.
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.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share