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
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But maybe few know why and how Smith rapidly made up his mind to set the tone, a tone that epitomized his grace and character and was fundamental in the development of Mahomes.
—
Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025
Actions during the New Year are believed to set the tone for the year, and 2025 is the year of the snake.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
To end the week, Gabrielle Union’s long pixie cut and sculpted, blushed skin at Schiaparelli’s front row set the tone for Haute Couture week.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
These scenes set the tone for the 8-episode series, which the streamer released in a binge drop on Jan. 24.
—Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025
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Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025
Actions during the New Year are believed to set the tone for the year, and 2025 is the year of the snake.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025
To end the week, Gabrielle Union’s long pixie cut and sculpted, blushed skin at Schiaparelli’s front row set the tone for Haute Couture week.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
These scenes set the tone for the 8-episode series, which the streamer released in a binge drop on Jan. 24.
—Isadora Wandermurem, TIME, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for set the tone
Dictionary Entries Near set the tone
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“Set the tone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/set%20the%20tone. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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