Synonyms of tenor

tenor

noun

1

as in course

Synonyms & Similar Words

• course
• direction
• gist
• drift
• sum
• essence
• meat
• bottom line
• core
• crux
• heart
• pith
• nucleus
• pivot
• keynote
• net
• content
• centerpiece
• nub
• body
• substance
• kernel
• root
• bull's-eye
• subject
• meat and potatoes
• point
• proposition
• theme
• hypothesis
• thesis
• nubbin
• purport

2

as in style

Synonyms & Similar Words

• style
• tendency
• disposition
• inclination
• set
• mode
• proclivity
• bent
• bag
• usage
• turn
• convention
• practice
• deportment
• pattern
• regime
• use
• addiction
• practise
• form
• manners
• custom
• ritual
• second nature
• groove
• characteristic
• fashion
• habit
• mores
• regimen
• régime
• way
• habitude
• affectation
• routine
• trait
• drill
• rut
• airs
• attribute
• pose
• trick
• rote
• wont
• jog trot
• mark

Synonym Chooser

How is the word tenor different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of tenor are current, drift, tendency, and trend. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," tenor stresses a clearly perceptible direction and a continuous, undeviating course.

the tenor of the times

When is current a more appropriate choice than tenor?

While the synonyms current and tenor are close in meaning, current implies a clearly defined but not necessarily unalterable course.

an encounter that changed the current of my life

In what contexts can drift take the place of tenor?

The words drift and tenor can be used in similar contexts, but drift may apply to a tendency determined by external forces, or it may apply to an underlying or obscure trend of meaning or discourse.

the drift of the population away from large cities

got the drift of her argument

When might tendency be a better fit than tenor?

Although the words tendency and tenor have much in common, tendency implies an inclination sometimes amounting to an impelling force.

a general tendency toward inflation

When would trend be a good substitute for tenor?

The meanings of trend and tenor largely overlap; however, trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

the long-term trend of the stock market is upward

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tenor

Explore Carlos Vives Gloria Estefan Marco Antonio Solís See latest videos, charts and news Andrea Bocelli in Venezuela On Feb. 22, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed in Venezuela’s Estadio Monumental Simón Bolívar, where Venezuelan singer-songwriter Nella was a special guest. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 1 Mar. 2025

That instantly shifted the tenor of the conversation as Zelenskyy grew defensive and Trump and his vice president blasted him as ungrateful and issued stark warnings about future American support. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2025

After the group’s breakup in 1972, Young thrived as a solo artist, releasing albums that mixed socially conscious lyrics with outstanding guitar work and warm tenor vocals. —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025

His ability to assist tenors and basses with vocal placement reflects his deep knowledge and skill. —Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 16 Mar. 2025