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
Across the aisle, out-of-power Democrats set the tone early, with most remaining seated without applauding or making eye contact with Trump as he was introduced in the chamber.
—
Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Similarly, a brightly colored or boldly patterned style can set the tone for a new decorative scheme.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
The Grammys set the tone as the first show to air after the wildfires, the SAG Awards followed with a focus on first responders and the Oscars are also set to raise funds towards fire relief efforts.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Maybe Sunday’s matchup will set the tone going forward.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 5 Mar. 2025
Similarly, a brightly colored or boldly patterned style can set the tone for a new decorative scheme.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
The Grammys set the tone as the first show to air after the wildfires, the SAG Awards followed with a focus on first responders and the Oscars are also set to raise funds towards fire relief efforts.
—Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
Maybe Sunday’s matchup will set the tone going forward.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 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 9 Mar. 2025.
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