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

Hadid immediately set the tone for not only the feminine prowess that would fill the stage but the ethereal beauty, too. — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

The piece firmly set the tone for the brand, while cementing Vanguart’s reputation as the ‘CEO’s watch’, as it’s known in collector circles today—even if the brand still flies relatively under the radar. — Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2026

Ziaire Williams set the tone of the Lakers’ new defensive style, pressuring the ball the full length of the court and injecting energy into his teammates. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Taylor Swift’s woodsy Folklore and Evermore albums set the tone in 2020, and a few years later, pop radio was overpopulated with a host of singer-songwriters crafted in her image — in one way or another. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for set the tone

• acetone
• anglophone
• baritone
• bourguignon
• buspirone
• chaperon
• chaperone
• cobblestone
• collarbone
• cornerstone
• cortisone
• dictaphone