tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef How to pronounce tone-deaf (audio)
1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
sometimes offensive : having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1
tone deafness noun

Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Again and again, Gabbard had shown herself tone-deaf in appealing to him. — Andreas Kluth, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026 Most smug articles and books that claim to provide quick fixes come off as tone-deaf or even counterproductive. — Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 27 May 2026 Some of his social media content was also tone-deaf, given Liverpool’s plight. — James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026 Many Democrats have accused her of rewriting history, arguing the book is unhelpful and, at times, tone-deaf. — Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tone-deaf was in 1883

Rhymes for tone-deaf

See All Rhymes for tone-deaf

Browse Nearby Words

toned-down
tone-deaf
Tonegawa
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tone-deaf

adjective
ˈtōn-ˌdef
: not noticing small differences in musical pitch

Medical Definition

tone-deaf

adjective
ˈtōn-ˌdef How to pronounce tone-deaf (audio)
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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