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
While schools set the tone during the day, families can reinforce the importance of respect and critical thinking at home.
—
Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Those early games can really set the tone.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Cherry Creek defense also set the tone early with interceptions by Michigan State commit Braylon Hodge on the game’s opening drive and then a pick-six by fellow senior linebacker Tate Matthews on the Falcons’ second drive.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Seguin used its offense to set the tone early.
—Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Those early games can really set the tone.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025
The Cherry Creek defense also set the tone early with interceptions by Michigan State commit Braylon Hodge on the game’s opening drive and then a pick-six by fellow senior linebacker Tate Matthews on the Falcons’ second drive.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 13 Sep. 2025
Seguin used its offense to set the tone early.
—Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Sep. 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 17 Sep. 2025.
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