1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

intonation

noun

Definition of intonationnext
as in inflection

Related Words

Relevance

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
  • Her sixth album, Estrus, out today, represents a more mature inflection of honesty from the sad-girl-pop pioneer.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • In general, analysts said the freight cycle inflection remains on track.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • Scarlett is a New Yorker and gets it completely, and her accent is completely accurate.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The space is covered from ceiling to floor in black leather and Alcantara, with high-gloss carbon-fiber trim on the consoles and dashboard and Rocket Red accents throughout.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 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
  • For dogs that stress out easily or suffer from anxiety, these collars could also increase their stress levels when left on too long.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
  • One key sign of stress is Russia's budget deficit and the government's efforts to find new sources of money.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • Fendi was born as a furrier, and the brand is sticking with the legacy but putting the emphasis on upcycled pieces.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The program has also evolved to put a greater emphasis on mental wellbeing, with Harry advocating for mental fitness and communication skills to be incorporated into the curriculum.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of emphasis

Browse Nearby Words

intonating
intonation
intonations
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intonation. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 25
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of the words cracker fly and sale arranged in a triangle with the word fire in the middle
Triple Play Quiz Find the word that pairs with each of the three g...
See All