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
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 tones
Warm colors glow on one side, cooler tones on the other, transforming the space throughout the day.
—
David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Speaking of, Blue Ballet is home to shades of blue, too, as well as some pink and orange tones.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
With consumers looking for diamonds with earthy tones and to connect with nature, A Diamond Is Forever launched its Desert diamonds to offer a distinct look.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Cool tones, like a cool, purple-toned beige, can sometimes make the feet look a little flat.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
To do so, opt for a pair of relaxed-fit denim shorts with cowboy boots in neutral tones like black or brown.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 20 May 2026
Later Barbie would embrace ethnic identities and various skin tones.
—Dawn Mitchell, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
This season, burgundy ties symbolize confidence and sophistication, and Mountain & Sackett burgundy designs blend rich tones and smooth textures, perfect for making a statement this season.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
David Nikel, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Speaking of, Blue Ballet is home to shades of blue, too, as well as some pink and orange tones.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones?
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
With consumers looking for diamonds with earthy tones and to connect with nature, A Diamond Is Forever launched its Desert diamonds to offer a distinct look.
—Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Cool tones, like a cool, purple-toned beige, can sometimes make the feet look a little flat.
—Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
To do so, opt for a pair of relaxed-fit denim shorts with cowboy boots in neutral tones like black or brown.
—René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 20 May 2026
Later Barbie would embrace ethnic identities and various skin tones.
—Dawn Mitchell, The Indianapolis Star, 24 Dec. 2024
This season, burgundy ties symbolize confidence and sophistication, and Mountain & Sackett burgundy designs blend rich tones and smooth textures, perfect for making a statement this season.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tones
Noun
-
This maneuver is one of the hardest parts of eVTOL development because the aircraft must smoothly change between two very different flight modes.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
-
Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 3 drive-modes, the Tundra was ready for highway driving, off-road multi-terrain, tow/haul mode and excellent crawl control.—
Marc D. Grasso,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
The rooms 77 villas, all spacious, sleek and polished in varying shades of oak.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
-
Getting off the plane, Chamberlain was wearing shades on a gloomy day.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
These observations suggest that small, mysterious moons with surprisingly different natures are the source of the particles that make up the two outermost rings, and that there are probably even more undiscovered moons to add to the 29 already known around Uranus.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Last month, a Los Angeles jury found social media giants Meta and Google failed to warn children about the addictive natures of their platforms.—
Drew Aunkst,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Today’s outdoor culinary enthusiast has many finer options than my dad’s generation—methods and equipment to suit their theatricality, flavor preferences, competitive spirit, and moods of all manners.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Firm if slightly sweaty handshake notwithstanding, there’s a gentleness to Root; old-school manners, slender shoulders and a reedy Sheffield twang.—
James Wallace,
New York Times,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Trade drab colors with 44 percent off floral prints, and bulky hoodies for something a little more lightweight to beat those nightly chills and airplane cabin temperatures—this one by Faherty is 25 percent off for a limited time.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
29 May 2026
-
The spectral figures, marked by their sarong colors, imagined Zodiacs, doshas and more, operate haunto-structurally.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Those keen on his appointment may well hope his approach to managing the squad’s difficult personalities can unlock a more effective way of motivating Madrid’s galacticos to put in the hard yards.—
Guillermo Rai,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
One by one, many of the network’s most prominent on-air personalities have made their displeasure known, sinking morale among the rank-and-file and prompting leaks and internal frustration.—
Max Tani,
semafor.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Their styles of play are their own, but this trio at the tip of the spear for the next generation of men’s tennis that is suddenly coming for the sport is also a collective of Sinnercaraz descendants.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
31 May 2026
-
Keep scrolling to see other styles.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
From soft pastels to bold statement hues, these unforgettable bridal moments prove that fashion’s most iconic wedding dresses aren’t always snowy white.—
María Mérida,
Glamour,
30 May 2026
-
On the outside, the Fortress shows off a geometric design that can be done up in a matte or glossy liveries, each with eight hues.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tones. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
