intonation

noun

Definition of intonationnext
as in inflection

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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 intonation Bryant and Larson both master the sexy-robot-baby intonation of a very particular strain of 2000s pop, making the displacement doubly funny. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 However, open models have become better at handling subtle details like intonation and rhythm, which makes outputs feel much closer to real human speech. — Kshitij Dixit, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Speakers from the country’s western areas, like Osaka and Kyoto, use different intonation and verb forms than those in the eastern Tokyo metro. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 But there is this way that affect and intonation and implication, those things are precisely what wouldn’t show up in a transcript. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intonation
  1. inflection
  2. accent
  3. accentuation
  4. stress
  5. emphasis
Noun
  • Sarma said Wall Street broadly expects an inflection in returns on AI investments around 2028, leading to an uplift in revenue, earnings and cash flow.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Tommy is already a natural punk with his grimaces, British vocal inflections and wide-eyed expressions behind the drum kit.
    — Jane Tyska, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • So when Billie and Issa get an actual offer for drinks with two firefighters who come to the house, Billie puts on a goofy British accent à la Issa and turns them down, choosing a quiet night at home with her friend instead.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The decor is heavily inspired by various forms of Mexican art, including La Huasteca embroidery, which focuses on bright floral and geometric patterns, as well as touches of gold accents inspired by Mayan culture.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of accent
Noun
  • Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Held together by a wide black barrette, Gomez’s hair had a shiny quality to it with the ends flipped up for a fun, playful accentuation of the look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of accentuation
Noun
  • Salas struggled offensively throughout 2024, missed almost all of 2025 because of a stress reaction in his back and plummeted on prospect lists as a result.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The company, which offers credit cards used to make rent and mortgage payments, had fumbled a critical transition, leading to confusion and financial stress for its customers.
    — Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • Precision Strike in a More Contested Environment Another notable element of the demonstration is the emphasis on operating in difficult electronic and environmental conditions.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Varma’s popularity grew at the height of the British Empire in India, as Western-style oil painting, with its emphasis on depth and chiaroscuro, gained prominence in the country.
    — Noor Anand Chawla, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of emphasis

Browse Nearby Words

intonating
intonation
intonations
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Cite this Entry

“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intonation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

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