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 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 However, open models have become better at handling subtle details like intonation and rhythm, which makes outputs feel much closer to real human speech. — Kshitij Dixit, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Speakers from the country’s western areas, like Osaka and Kyoto, use different intonation and verb forms than those in the eastern Tokyo metro. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 But there is this way that affect and intonation and implication, those things are precisely what wouldn’t show up in a transcript. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intonation
  1. inflection
  2. accent
  3. accentuation
  4. stress
  5. emphasis
Noun
  • The political inflection, Mendoza-del Rosario told IndieWire, was a conscious effort.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
  • JPMorgan upgrades Sprouts Farmers Market to overweight from neutral The bank sees a sales growth inflection.
    — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz has refreshed two outdoor decks with tropical prints, parasols, cozy loungers, and cocktail accents.
    — Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The case benefits from nice metal accents, including a visible hinge and a bar magnet that keeps it closed.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 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
  • Kash says they are packed with antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids to neutralize free radicals that cause stress and inflammation and help with boosting your immune system overall.
    — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The company conducts saliva testing for professional sports teams, providing analysis on dozens of biomarkers that touch immunology, inflammation, sleep, hydration, psychological stress and more.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • The 29-year-old is probably Spurs’ most threatening player in the box, but is not as accomplished as Solanke in link-up play, a concern given De Zerbi places so much emphasis on contribution to build-up and playmaking.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Today, toilets are often considered a vital part of overall bathroom design, with companies like American Standard putting more emphasis on design elements and color options.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Nglish: Translation of intonation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

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