tenor

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenor different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tenor are current, drift, tendency, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When is current a more appropriate choice than tenor?

While the synonyms current and tenor are close in meaning, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

In what contexts can drift take the place of tenor?

The words drift and tenor can be used in similar contexts, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities
got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than tenor?

Although the words tendency and tenor have much in common, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

When would trend be a good substitute for tenor?

The meanings of trend and tenor largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

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 tenor Protesters have said confrontational law enforcement officials changed the tenor of the encounters. David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 June 2025 With a top-notch cast featuring tenor Matthew Polenzani in the title role, and a supporting cast featuring Daniela Mack, Ying Fang, Alek Shrader, and Elza van den Heever, expect great results. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 12 June 2025 Christopher Morano, who previously served as Connecticut’s chief state’s attorney, said the tenor of Dayton’s remarks is likely to catch the attention of the six other campaign workers, city council members and party officials who have been accused of manipulating the absentee voting process. Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2025 The fruit of two years of research, the project aims to chronicle the legendary tenor’s life from his boyhood in Modena, Italy, to his confirmation as a star at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in the 1970s. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tenor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenor
Noun
  • There’s a token human story, all about how Gemme redeems herself and also, of course, about the fate of Cady (Violet McGraw), who was M3GAN’s bestie in the first film.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 25 June 2025
  • Barring a completely unforeseen change of course, Flagg will be drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 1 overall pick.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • David’s Bridal’s website describes the boutique as offering a variety of designs from timeless classics to modern boho styles that are perfect for any kind of wedding.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025
  • These free classes focus on mindful movement, mindful breathing, in the style of Shashi Yoga.
    Ramona Sentinel, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes two miles wide in each direction.
    Isabel van Brugen, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • This weekend will see the section of the Mass Pike between Exit 123 in Weston and Exit 125 in Newton reduced to a single lane in each direction for about 72 hours as crews replace the I-90 bridge over the MBTA Worcester Commuter Rail.
    Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Having been sober for many decades herself, Bev recognizes the narcissism of addiction, the way addicts have a tendency to put themselves at the center of the universe.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • People with avoidant tendencies often pull away emotionally, while those with anxious tendencies may cling out of fear.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Again, the overall gist is that everyone expects this to be pretty competitive basketball between two good teams.
    Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The general gist of the new dolls is to celebrate two distinct industry roles—musical Artist and Tour Manager.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • That process would happen without the formal bids or public referendum typically required for disposition of city property.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025
  • Whether by design or disposition, from Wall Street to Main Streets, China to Chicago, the chaos and radical uncertainty sown by the President’s words and deeds finds consumer and corporate sentiment jumpier than Elon at a Trump rally before their break-up.
    Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Too many retirees go from professional purpose to passive drift.
    Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Chicago’s 10 largest snowfalls since 1886 — and how the Tribune covered them Chicago’s 10 largest blizzards come with deep drifts of uniquely Chicago stories.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • And, swear to God, my inclination to be a doctor was that.
    Kimberly Dishongh, Arkansas Online, 22 June 2025
  • And Just Like That is out of a inclination to see Carrie continue to live her messy and fabulous life as a pretty egregiously out-of-touch Manhattan socialite.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tenor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tenor. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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