intonation

noun

Definition of intonationnext
as in inflection

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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 intonation Bryant and Larson both master the sexy-robot-baby intonation of a very particular strain of 2000s pop, making the displacement doubly funny. — Jesse Hassenger, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026 However, open models have become better at handling subtle details like intonation and rhythm, which makes outputs feel much closer to real human speech. — Kshitij Dixit, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Speakers from the country’s western areas, like Osaka and Kyoto, use different intonation and verb forms than those in the eastern Tokyo metro. — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 9 Apr. 2026 But there is this way that affect and intonation and implication, those things are precisely what wouldn’t show up in a transcript. — Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intonation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intonation
  1. inflection
  2. accent
  3. accentuation
  4. stress
  5. emphasis
Noun
  • In the first half of the sentence, the inflection rises, the speaker’s explanation working as a plea for understanding or a question.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • At a cash flow inflection A traditional bear argument against high-growth advanced manufacturing plays is the capital spending burn.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of inflection
Noun
  • Bold headboards and textured bedding accents ensure that even the more compact rooms have a distinct style, while other airier spaces offer tall ceilings, big windows, and chinoiserie prints wrapping the walls.
    — Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Zamindar’s Clubhouse, which opened in June in the former Link & Pin location in South End, offers a lush, opulent space adorned with Indian art, heritage architectural features, brass accents and warm lighting.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of accent
Noun
  • Thankfully, after expending serious overtime up front, the design crew lightened its hand over the rest of the truck, which remains a stout, sturdy pickup without the over-accentuation that characterizes the new US-market Tundra and Tacoma.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Held together by a wide black barrette, Gomez’s hair had a shiny quality to it with the ends flipped up for a fun, playful accentuation of the look.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025
Definition of accentuation
Noun
  • Following the killing, Pike was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, her attorneys said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Other potential causes are higher rates of chronic stress, depression and anxiety, as well as autoimmune diseases, which weaken the immune system, Curhan said.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stress
Noun
  • The gift targets kids ages 11 to 17 in lower-income areas, with extra emphasis on those near the couple’s central Texas home.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That emphasis on choosing what remains outside the frame informed his view that virtual reality cannot replace cinema.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of emphasis

Browse Nearby Words

intonating
intonation
intonations
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Cite this Entry

“Intonation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intonation. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intonation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about intonation

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