TONE Synonyms: 86 Similar and Opposite Words

tone

noun

ˈtōn

Definition of tone

as in style

a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the angry tone of his letter makes it clear he doesn't want to speak to me ever again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in shade

a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished fall fashions in deep jewel tones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

achromatism

as in self

the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others all that showbiz glitz is out of keeping with the tone of the college

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 tone Royal blue details run through the entryway and hallway, berry red dominates the kitchen, and the living room is lighter in tone. — Valentina Lonati, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 Earthy tones are reflective of the natural materials around you, and a generous balcony makes for the perfect spot to stretch out with some morning yoga or curl up with a good book on a lounger. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Some of the most prominent voices warning about AI job losses have softened their tone. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 No one is on the same page as to what the tone of the movie should be. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tone

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tone

Noun

Here’s a prime example of a more cryptic style of clue that sometimes pops up in late-week puzzles.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
The menu changes daily and features wide-ranging Italian and Tyrolean dishes such as quail risotto, Speckknöddelsuppe (bacon dumpling soup), pasta and veal ragout, Viennese-style schnitzel, spinach dumplings, and apple strudel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of style

Noun

An all-red treatment defines the Cloudmonster, with a bright hue carrying through the upper and sole unit and darker shades used for the branding.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Packing over a billion vibrant shades powered by Quantum Dot technology and Dolby Vision HDR, every scene pops with stunning realism.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of shade

Noun

The deal, which includes spare parts and international orders, is subject to congressional approval and could generate $79 billion in economic activity, with Lockheed Martin self-funding at least $7 billion in program initiatives.

— Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential.

— Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of self

Noun

With the Los Angeles Rams approaching panic mode, the NFC East in complete disarray and the Kansas City Chiefs preparing for their biggest test yet, there’s no shortage of drama heading into Week 7.

— Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
The Tesla driver, a 26-year-old man from San Francisco, told authorities the vehicle had been operating in full self-driving autonomous mode at the time of the crash, CHP said.

— Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of mode

Noun

Add a hint of fall style to your kitchen with warm, earthy colors that can last on the countertop through Thanksgiving.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026
There is a wall with removable dashboard panels across the color spectrum and a couple of miniature models of the cab with tiny, colored panels to help customers decide on the details.

— Eric Bangeman, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of color

Noun

Containerized units support flexible replacement The batteries’ containerized format allows them to be handled and stowed in the same manner as standard cargo containers.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of manner

Noun

An all-red treatment defines the Cloudmonster, with a bright hue carrying through the upper and sole unit and darker shades used for the branding.

— Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
During the Halloween season, Shawn and Ryan Tofte’s house illuminates with a cool blue hue while jack-o’-lanterns provide a warm glow on the steps and yard.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of hue

Browse Nearby Words

tonal

tone

toned-down

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tone. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of tone

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on tone

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes