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
So many wonderful age gap and power dynamics going on in this novel that really set the tone for a whole generation of writers to come.
—
Hattie Williams
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Those adjustments were apparent on Tuesday night at Target Field as Woods Richardson set the tone for the Twins in what ended up being a runaway 8-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
Day one at the Convention Center in New Orleans set the tone, and the fits did not disappoint.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 July 2025
Leaders who hesitate or hedge create confusion, while those who communicate decisively set the tone for purposeful action.
—Natasha Cox, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for set the tone
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Hattie Williams
july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Those adjustments were apparent on Tuesday night at Target Field as Woods Richardson set the tone for the Twins in what ended up being a runaway 8-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.
—Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
Day one at the Convention Center in New Orleans set the tone, and the fits did not disappoint.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 5 July 2025
Leaders who hesitate or hedge create confusion, while those who communicate decisively set the tone for purposeful action.
—Natasha Cox, Forbes.com, 30 June 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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