tone

noun

ˈtōn How to pronounce tone (audio)
Definition of tonenext
1
as in style
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the angry tone of his letter makes it clear he doesn't want to speak to me ever again

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in shade
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished fall fashions in deep jewel tones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in self
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others all that showbiz glitz is out of keeping with the tone of the college

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 tone After the police crackdown, the Gen Z protests in Delhi and other Indian cities gained the energy and tone of a carnival. — Asim Ali, Time, 1 Aug. 2026 The notes could also provide insight into the author’s mindset, motives and how their tone changed over time — and provide a new lead that could help bring authorities closer to finding Guthrie. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2026 Why stem cells work in skincare products Stem cells naturally contain amino acids and peptides, which are essential to skin rejuvenation and can help prevent lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture, and slow signs of aging. — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Linebackers are the tone setters to any high school football team. — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tone
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tone
  1. style
  2. shade
  3. self
  4. mode
  5. color
  6. nature
  7. manner
  8. hue
Noun
  • In another conversation, Marcee Gray brought up an online drawing showing Colt alongside the Columbine shooters and Parkland gunman Nikolas Cruz in the style of a Weezer album cover.
    — Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Lesnar sat up Undertaker-style and planted Femi with not one or two but three F5s.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of style
Noun
  • Following the consolidation, the production capacity for Inpro’s shower curtains, cubicle curtains and roller shades was expected to increase, the company’s 2024 statement said.
    — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • With the synthetic turf, there’s no concern about the shade from the existing tree canopy and playing conditions will be consistent.
    — Erik Matuszewski, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of shade
Noun
  • The cycles of illness and deflection at Taylor Farms illustrate a larger problem in the American food safety system, the experts said, which overwhelmingly relies on companies to self-police the cleanliness of their own produce.
    — Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • That's why self-hosting feels less like owning gadgets and more like reclaiming agency.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of self
Noun
  • Contract talks, weekly management and free agency are the three areas where the mode has felt scripted for years.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The latter would be the second new model based on the V-12 this year, following the Manuale (picture up top) from earlier this month, which features a unique gearbox that offers both automatic and manual driving modes.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of mode
Noun
  • This fuss-free pair has it all—plenty of color choices, comfy low heels, and a sleek, versatile design that will easily match any outfit, especially mini skirts and dresses.
    — Isabel Bekele, InStyle, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The rooms Compared to the vibe in the hotel’s bars and lobby, the rooms are understated and calm with natural colors, herringbone floors, and high ceilings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of color
Noun
  • Through the mid-1980s, Wolfram continued this work, discovering a number of fundamental connections between computation and nature, and inventing such concepts as computational irreducibility.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Creators who attended OpenAI’s first-ever influencer brand trip at a luxury resort in upstate New York posted glowing reviews of their private cabins, nature excursions and farm-to-table meals.
    — Angela Yang, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of nature
Noun
  • Currently, the production of the attachment has been outsourced to a commercial 3D printing company in Idaho that makes durable attachments in a quick and affordable manner.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026
  • Earlier this month, Crump released the preliminary findings of an independent autopsy, which listed Wells’ cause and manner of death as undetermined pending further investigation.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Definition of manner
Noun
  • That brighter hue can be spotted in the lacquered hour and minute hands as well as the central chronograph’s seconds hand and the date disc, while white comes into play on the dial and the minutes track.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
  • That's followed just two weeks later with a spectacular lunar eclipse that sees the moon fall deep into our planet's shadow, painting it a rusty-orange hue, weather permitting.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of hue

Browse Nearby Words

tonal
tone
toned-down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tone. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tone

Nglish: Translation of tone for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tone

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