set the tone
idiom
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Matt Olson’s two-run homer in the first inning set the tone quickly Sunday in a 6-2 win at Truist Park that gave the Braves an 8-6 record since their abysmal 0-7 start.
—
David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
On the night of his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis set the tone for his pontificate.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
What Leaders Can Do To Set Better Boundaries Around Multitasking And Focus
Leaders set the tone for how focus is valued, or devalued, on their teams.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The 27,000-square-foot behemoth—once two side-by-side mansions—set the tone for what was to come: a rush of high-net-worth individuals turning D.C.’s historically discreet neighborhoods into billionaire enclaves.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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.
David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
On the night of his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis set the tone for his pontificate.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2025
What Leaders Can Do To Set Better Boundaries Around Multitasking And Focus
Leaders set the tone for how focus is valued, or devalued, on their teams.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
The 27,000-square-foot behemoth—once two side-by-side mansions—set the tone for what was to come: a rush of high-net-worth individuals turning D.C.’s historically discreet neighborhoods into billionaire enclaves.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
Cite this Entry
“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share