Thesaurus results for TENOR

Q: How is the word 'tenor' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tenor are current , drift , tendency , and trend . While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course. // the tenor of the times

Q: When is 'current' a more appropriate choice than 'tenor'?

While the synonyms current and tenor are close in meaning, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course. // an encounter that changed the current of my life

Q: In what contexts can 'drift' take the place of 'tenor'?

The words drift and tenor can be used in similar contexts, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse. // the drift of the population away from large cities // got the drift of her argument

Q: When might 'tendency' be a better fit than 'tenor'?

Although the words tendency and tenor have much in common, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force. // a general tendency toward inflation

Q: When would 'trend' be a good substitute for 'tenor'?

The meanings of trend and tenor largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course. // the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

tenor

noun

Definition of tenor next

as in course

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in style

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenor different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tenor are current, drift, tendency, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When is current a more appropriate choice than tenor?

While the synonyms current and tenor are close in meaning, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

In what contexts can drift take the place of tenor?

The words drift and tenor can be used in similar contexts, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than tenor?

Although the words tendency and tenor have much in common, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

When would trend be a good substitute for tenor?

The meanings of trend and tenor largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Examples 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 tenor Her text is an actual surreal fantasy with little to hang onto other than evocative images, which invites an incomparable tenor to enter into a vast range of psychic states through a vast range of music styles through a vast range of vocal techniques. —

Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 Though the reception was largely positive to Gus' reaction in Chicago, right-wing commentators and Trump supporters shared a different tenor of comment on social media. —

Sam Woodward, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 Andrea Bocelli has touched hearts worldwide with his smooth tenor voice for 30 years, and the Italian superstar is commemorating the anniversary with a new concert film. —

Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2024 His suede-smooth tenor lends Pizzarro a suave charisma that makes his villainy even more ominous. —

Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tenor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tenor

Noun

Here’s the latest on what that means for consumers, federal agencies, corporate America, and — of course — Elon Musk.

William Gavin, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
One piece of information or one name that someone provides can really change the course of a case.

Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024