n. 1 sound, note Odd tones emanated from the electronic music-maker 2 stress, emphasis, force, accent, intonation, modulation, phrasing, inflection, pitch, tonality, timbre, sound (colour), tone colour or quality, colour or colouring, resonance, sonorousness, sonority, fullness, richness The tone of his voice is extraordinarily melodic 3 manner, style, attitude, air, aspect, approach, note, tenor, tone of voice, mode of expression, temper, vein, spirit, air Do not take that imperious tone with me! 4 tint, tinge, shade, hue, colour, colouring, cast The fabric has a silvery tone that makes it shimmer
v. 5 tone down. temper, modify, reduce, moderate, modulate, soften, quiet(en), dampen, dull, subdue, mute, soft-pedal Please tone down your voice or the neighbours will hear you 6 tone up. (re)invigorate, tune (up), brighten (up), (re)vitalize, freshen (up), limber up, get into condition or shape I really have to tone up my body before I put on a swimsuit this summer