1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste
The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf …—
Michael Duffy
Michael DuffyAt the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation …—Peniel E. Joseph
Peniel E. Joseph
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The statement has been criticized nationally, with many calling it tone-deaf or insensitive to the victim.
—Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
At 83 minutes, the sequel doesn’t overstay its welcome, focusing mainly on the tensions that cause famous bands to break up and the ridiculous pressures the music industry now puts on artists (delivered by Addison’s tone-deaf label rep).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans, including White House officials, criticized the trip as tone-deaf amid concerns about crime in Baltimore.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
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Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025
At 83 minutes, the sequel doesn’t overstay its welcome, focusing mainly on the tensions that cause famous bands to break up and the ridiculous pressures the music industry now puts on artists (delivered by Addison’s tone-deaf label rep).
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025
Republicans, including White House officials, criticized the trip as tone-deaf amid concerns about crime in Baltimore.
—Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Sacrifice captures the tenor of these high-end charity events that are attended by the famous and ultra-wealthy, and have a tendency to land somewhere between tone-deaf to hopelessly self-congratulatory.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
Cite this Entry
“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
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