Synonyms for

Tones

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

Definition

Tones are the different pitches of sound that make up music or speech.

Synonyms & similar words

quality shade timbre inflect tone toneofvoice tonus tint look timber toneup flavour tincture wholestep chant note modulate puretone step atonicity intone tonicity feeling musicalnote spirit notes sounds vibrations timbres intensities inflections modulations articulations accents nuances undertones overtones resonances harmonies melodies rhythms beats cadences tempos pitches

Synonyms by register

Formal

qualities characteristics nuances registers

Informal

vibes feel mood flavor

Literary

hues shades cadences

Antonyms

silence quiet muffled flatness monotone

Common collocations

  • tone of voice
  • musical tones
  • warm tones
  • cool tones
  • tone deaf
  • tone down
  • tone up
  • tone of the article

Word family

noun tone
verb tone
adjective tonal

Usage note

The word 'tones' can refer to the pitch of a voice, the color of something, or the general feeling or attitude conveyed. Be mindful of the context to understand the intended meaning.

Example sentences

  1. The piano has different tones depending on which keys are played.
  2. The teacher used a stern tone to get the students attention.
  3. The animal made a low growling tone to show its displeasure.
  4. The actor used a sarcastic tone to make the audience laugh.
  5. The phone made a high-pitched tone when the text message was received.

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