Synonyms for

Tempo

Verb / ˈteˌmpəʊ / Another word for tempo — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Tempo refers to the speed at which a piece of music is played or sung.

Synonyms & similar words

pace pacing pace rhythm beat cadence speed time meter pulse velocity flow movement progression temp timing rate frequency measure duration period

Synonyms by register

Formal

pace rate rhythm cadence

Informal

speed swing beat groove

Literary

current flow pulse

Antonyms

slowness lethargy inertia stagnation idleness inactivity

Common collocations

  • maintain tempo
  • change tempo
  • fast tempo
  • slow tempo
  • accelerate tempo
  • decelerate tempo
  • set the tempo
  • driving tempo

Word family

noun tempo
adjective tempos

Usage note

Primarily used in music and sports to describe the speed or pace of activity. Avoid using 'tempo' for general speed unless referring to a rhythmic or patterned movement.

Example sentences

  1. The tempo of the song was too fast for me to keep up.
  2. The pianist changed the tempo to make the song more lively.
  3. The conductor used a metronome to establish the correct tempo.
  4. The dancers moved to the beat of the tempo.
  5. The tempo of the music gradually slowed down as the song came to an end.

Quotes

  • Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart. - Pablo Casals
  • Without music, life would be a mistake. - Friedrich Nietzsche
  • Music is the universal language of mankind. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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