tones

noun

plural of tone
1
as in modes
a distinctive way of putting ideas into words the angry tone of his letter makes it clear he doesn't want to speak to me ever again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in shades
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished fall fashions in deep jewel tones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in natures
the set of qualities that makes a person, a group of people, or a thing different from others all that showbiz glitz is out of keeping with the tone of the college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example 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 tones For a bold and vibrant fall hair transformation, consider colors with warm tones that add depth and glow to your look. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026 For fall 2026, specifically, Schwartz says his clients are looking for richer, darker tones without sacrificing shine, softness, and movement. — Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026 The two collaborated on a serene escape that prioritizes neutral tones and a comfortable living arrangement, while including a unique element in every room that keeps the spaces from all looking alike. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Featuring warm neutrals, earthy tones, muted pinks, clay hues, and airy blues, the palette offers endless versatility for creating layered spaces inspired by the natural world. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026 Working with our tones and our pain and joys should be considered an honor. — Tommy Orange, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 Bright whites, turquoise blues, and beachy wood tones almost felt Balearic in aesthetic, and a glass window on the floor by the bed made spotting marine life each morning a joy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026 That said, consider this an opportunity to update your bio, website or perhaps even minimize your wardrobe’s color scheme to earthier, more minimalistic tones and staple-worthy pieces. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 An antique bench draws out the tones of the original wood floor, and the armchair is slipcovered in linen. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tones
  1. modes
  2. shades
  3. natures
  4. manners
  5. colors
  6. personalities
  7. styles
  8. hues
Noun
  • In all four cases, the use of new media sparked impressive new aesthetic modes.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Electronic rider aids include Bosch cornering ABS, 3-stage traction control, five riding modes, a 6-axis IMU, a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and TPMS.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of modes
Noun
  • One of the shades featured in the palette is Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year, Hidden Gem, a smoky jade that strikes the perfect balance between blue and green.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Her hair, styled in loose waves beneath a brown pillbox hat, appeared several shades lighter than the rich brunette hue she has long been known for.
    — Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of shades
Noun
  • Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 2026
  • The fact is often interpreted as women wanting less risk than men because of women’s natures.
    — Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Definition of natures
Noun
  • Even as the identity of the South evolves, and more young people lose certain traits that are identifiably southern, manners remain one of the region’s most distinctive and steadfast qualities.
    — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Beneath Lamb’s unkempt appearance, crude manners, noxious flatulence, and stinging remarks lies one of the sharpest minds in MI5 and a man fiercely protective of his brood of misfits.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of manners
Noun
  • Available in 12 colors, these jeans pack a ton of versatility.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The brand’s Speedcat Ballet Mules arrived earlier this season and, immediately, colors started selling out.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of colors
Noun
  • The chat show will give fans even more action, bringing them closer to the personalities, dynamics and relationships at the heart of the series.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • As fans mourn Dolly Parton, two longtime Philadelphia radio personalities are remembering the country music icon for an influence that stretched far beyond her songs.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of personalities
Noun
  • Bloomingdale’s chief merchant Denise Magid also cites backpacks as a strong and growing category, noting demand for classic Polo Ralph Lauren styles and bolder designs from brands like State and Sprayground.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Through her film that moves fluidly between re-enactments and verite documentary styles, Duong crafts an emotionally-wrenching story of family division that leads to peace and healing for a father who left behind siblings in Vietnam.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of styles
Noun
  • No colors within this shade family can do it quite as effortlessly as smoky sage and olive, two hues the designer says can work in just about anywhere and with any application.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Shop them packs of 16, 20, or 24 in warm white for a cozy glow or color-changing lights that fade between six different hues.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of hues

Browse Nearby Words

toners
tones
tones (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Tones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tones. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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