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
On the parlor level, sumptuous textiles and refined forms set the tone.
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Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Ubisoft set the tone for the modern open-world game with its early Assassin's Creed games, while continuously improving its systems and changing its identity.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
The drive set the tone for the rest of the game as Henry and Jackson used their legs to punish the Steelers’ defense.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
Golden said Freeman set the tone right away after that Week 2 loss.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for set the tone 
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Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Ubisoft set the tone for the modern open-world game with its early Assassin's Creed games, while continuously improving its systems and changing its identity.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
The drive set the tone for the rest of the game as Henry and Jackson used their legs to punish the Steelers’ defense.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025
Golden said Freeman set the tone right away after that Week 2 loss.
—Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for set the tone
Dictionary Entries Near 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 22 Jan. 2025.
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