1
: high in social, moral, or intellectual quality
2

Examples of high-toned in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Blake is accused of having drifted into high-toned seriousness; Albert, now writing for television, is branded a sellout. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025 Bright high-toned notes of cherry and strawberry show on the palate with an intriguing texture that hints at a bit of tannin. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 The notes of high-toned bright fruit—think sour cherry, balsamic and black tea flavors—lend it a lovely sweet-savory profile. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 This one is savory and delicate with bright high-toned berry fruit, warm spices and a thread of richer, dark plum notes. Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 This version from Pala winery hits the high-toned cherry fruit notes, while wild herbs resonate on the finish. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 11 Apr. 2024 Syrah lends depth and body to the region’s signature malbec’s high-toned blueberry fruit and supple tannins. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2023 The last decade surely produced some of the finest television ever, spanning high-toned dramas and offbeat comedies, several of them masterpieces unlikely to have been made under any other circumstances. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 6 June 2023 Blending syrah into the region’s signature malbec lends depth and body to malbec’s high-toned blueberry fruit and supple tannins. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-toned was in 1770

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Cite this Entry

“High-toned.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-toned. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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