1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste
The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf …—
Michael Duffy
Michael DuffyAt the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation …—Peniel E. Joseph
Peniel E. Joseph
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
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Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
While billed as a personal and inspirational story, critics argue the timing is politically tone-deaf amid financial strain and infighting within the party.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2025
Critics online called the messaging tone-deaf, especially given its emphasis on Sweeney’s blue eyes and blonde hair — imagery some likened to racist and eugenicist propaganda from the WWII era.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 24 Aug. 2025
What one team sees as transparent, another may experience as tone-deaf.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
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Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
While billed as a personal and inspirational story, critics argue the timing is politically tone-deaf amid financial strain and infighting within the party.
—Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 26 Aug. 2025
Critics online called the messaging tone-deaf, especially given its emphasis on Sweeney’s blue eyes and blonde hair — imagery some likened to racist and eugenicist propaganda from the WWII era.
—Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 24 Aug. 2025
What one team sees as transparent, another may experience as tone-deaf.
—Taazima Kala, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
Cite this Entry
“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
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