1
as in modes
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
Relevance
2
as in shades
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 natures
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
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Recent Examples of tones
Mixing and juxtaposing voices, lingos, and tones, [Dylan] traces the decline of America over the trajectory of his own lifetime through the kaleidoscope of the Kennedy assassination.
—
Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
For an April 2025 visit to Scotland with husband Prince William, the Princess of Wales channeled muted earthy tones in pieces by Ralph Lauren Collection, Scottish brand Johnstons of Elgin and Chloé, among other brands.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
Byrom is a fan of limewash for its timeworn sensibility, while Young’s walls are painted in soft off-white calcio, with original hues—pale pinks and warm honey tones—still visible in places.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
The magical mood extended into Roan's makeup as well, with vibrant pink and muted, grayish-mauve tones.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
More and more readers can see that mainstream outlets manufacture consent through the use of particular words, phrases, and tones—and the exclusion of vital information, as is shown by their failure to report Jeffrey Epstein’s role as a global power broker with close links to Israeli intelligence.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Place one on a nightstand, side table, or credenza and balance it with simpler furniture or neutral tones.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
Cool tones and police officers who show no emotions.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
For an April 2025 visit to Scotland with husband Prince William, the Princess of Wales channeled muted earthy tones in pieces by Ralph Lauren Collection, Scottish brand Johnstons of Elgin and Chloé, among other brands.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Jan. 2026
Byrom is a fan of limewash for its timeworn sensibility, while Young’s walls are painted in soft off-white calcio, with original hues—pale pinks and warm honey tones—still visible in places.
—Hannah Coates, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
The magical mood extended into Roan's makeup as well, with vibrant pink and muted, grayish-mauve tones.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 28 Jan. 2026
Yet, even for those long-ensconced in homes, the calming tones continue to be both popular and practical.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
More and more readers can see that mainstream outlets manufacture consent through the use of particular words, phrases, and tones—and the exclusion of vital information, as is shown by their failure to report Jeffrey Epstein’s role as a global power broker with close links to Israeli intelligence.
—Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Place one on a nightstand, side table, or credenza and balance it with simpler furniture or neutral tones.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 27 Jan. 2026
Cool tones and police officers who show no emotions.
—Annika Pham, Variety, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tones
Noun
-
Drawing on psychology and behavioral science, Grant shows how people slip into rigid mental modes that prioritize defending identity over discovering truth.—
Jasna Hodžić,
Big Think,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Red light supports collagen production and smooths fine lines; blue light targets acne-causing bacteria; green and yellow modes address dark spots and uneven tone; while purple and cyan modes help soothe redness for a balanced, refreshed complexion.—
William Jones
January 29,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Bieber attended the 68th Grammy Awards wearing a manicure that matched her lip combo perfectly—and required a combination of four iconic shades to achieve.—
Glamour,
Glamour,
2 Feb. 2026
-
To finish the look, choose a pink that's a few shades lighter than the aura to draw a heart in the center of each nail.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hval’s restless melodies and at-times Proustian lyrics trail cigarette smoke or the fragrance of roses toward litanies of memory, all the while deconstructing the very natures of stage performance, recording technology, and digital existence.—
Jenn Pelly,
Time,
4 Dec. 2025
-
The world features beautifully ethereal landscapes as well as industrial facilities that feel functional and fully realized despite their alien natures.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
2 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
American elites aped European fashions, art, and manners, and Europeans admired American energy and efficiency.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Judith Martin's Miss Manners column has chronicled the continuous rise and fall of American manners since 1978.—
Judith Martin,
Dallas Morning News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The center will feature calming colors − such as browns, greens and blues − and natural wood flooring.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
30 Jan. 2026
-
According to interior designers, these four countertop colors are their go-tos for creating modern yet classic spaces that feel elegant and livable.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Through an annual induction ceremony and year-round programming, the Hall of Fame will celebrate athletic excellence and honor the players, teams and personalities who have shaped LA sports.—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Do the allusions and shout-outs to current events and personalities seem a little too close for comfort?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Loose and oversized styles aren't going anywhere, don't worry.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
2 Feb. 2026
-
That playful approach is also evident in the 1990s trend of product advertisements by auteurist filmmakers like Jean-Luc Godard and David Lynch, who brought their signature styles and atmospheres to commercials for shoes, video games, and more.—
Michael Cowan,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This sparse design extends into the rooms that are dressed in desert hues, with floating beds in the center of the room, walk-in showers, and private balconies that look onto the pool; some also have soaking tubs.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
This long-sleeve tee is the perfect foundation for chilly-weather outfits and comes in nine versatile hues.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tones. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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