set the tone

phrase

: to establish a quality, feeling, or attitude by a manner of speaking or writing

Her lighthearted question set the tone for the rest of the interview.

Examples of set the tone in a Sentence

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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.

Taylor Swift’s woodsy Folklore and Evermore albums set the tone in 2020, and a few years later, pop radio was overpopulated with a host of singer-songwriters crafted in her image — in one way or another. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026 The early reports could set the tone for an earnings season with lofty expectations. — Fred Imbert, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026 Opening the second half with an onside kick set the tone that everything was on the table for USC. — Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 The group’s camaraderie was palpable throughout the room, with unanimous agreement that Christeson’s own enthusiasm, warmth, and generosity set the tone for all the relationships. — Clara Hillis, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for set the tone

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“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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set the tone

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Examples of set the tone in a Sentence

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set the tone

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Examples of set the tone in a Sentence

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