intonation

noun

Definition of intonationnext
as in inflection

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intonation Sometimes there aren’t even words, only intonation. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 20 June 2026 Some combination of its audio quality, breathiness, cadence, and intonation just hits me as squarely inhuman. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026 That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 Bryant and Larson both master the sexy-robot-baby intonation of a very particular strain of 2000s pop, making the displacement doubly funny. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intonation
  1. inflection
  2. accent
  3. accentuation
  4. stress
  5. emphasis
Noun
  • Analyst Joseph Spak said the stock's recent sell-off presents a buying opportunity ahead of an inflection in its R2 midsize SUV ramp.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Think Serena & Lily with a Mayan inflection and a more vibrant color palette.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • The rich plum color also makes a lovely accent against neutral bedding.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The rooms Most of the 297 rooms and suites occupy a 30-storey tower added in the ’90s, where champagne tones, glossy dark woods, and silk accents meet impeccable detail.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of accent
Noun
  • Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Held together by a wide black barrette, Gomez’s hair had a shiny quality to it with the ends flipped up for a fun, playful accentuation of the look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of accentuation
Noun
  • Smiling can affect one's level of cortisol, a hormone the body releases partly to help regulate stress and mood, according to Ho.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • Cesar-Nuñez, whose practice is based in Pasadena, noted that traditional Latino cultural values like emphasis on family and reputation can serve as deterrents for seeking therapy or other help.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Atop the mesh base, most of the overlays are also rendered in shaggy shade for a further emphasis on texture.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of emphasis

Browse Nearby Words

intonating
intonation
intonations
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Cite this Entry

“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intonation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

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