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 Some combination of its audio quality, breathiness, cadence, and intonation just hits me as squarely inhuman. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 8 June 2026 That’s for sure when people speak patois, a vernacular version of English that’s based on a culture’s intonation. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intonation
  1. inflection
  2. accent
  3. accentuation
  4. stress
  5. emphasis
Noun
  • In the first half of the sentence, the inflection rises, the speaker’s explanation working as a plea for understanding or a question.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • At a cash flow inflection A traditional bear argument against high-growth advanced manufacturing plays is the capital spending burn.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • The store features oak wooden floors, mineral plaster walls, raw travertine shelves, linen accents and furniture by Axel Einar Hjorth, George Nakashima and Lina Bo Bardi.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Armrest covers handle the high-use areas that wear out first and double as a coordinated accent.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 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
  • Smiling can affect one's level of cortisol, a hormone the body releases partly to help regulate stress and mood, according to Ho.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Human rights groups have long warned of the undue stress suspects in Japan are subject to during detention, ranging from aggressive questioning tactics to the lack of access to lawyers.
    — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • The Sun enters your sign today, beginning your season and putting greater emphasis on your goals, identity, presence, and personal direction.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

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