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

The one-legged protagonist (sung by a two-legged tenor) is a man of limited mobility who tends to clump on deck and deliver his arias, so the frantic movement that takes place around him becomes essential. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

She was followed by tenor, Juan Diego Florez, who performed Bella Enamorada by Reveriano Soutullo and Juan Vert. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025

Grace also joined the family tradition and played tenor drums until eighth grade. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025

The potent, longstanding front line features Jessica Lurie (soprano, alto, and tenor sax), Amy Denio (alto sax and clarinet), Sue Orfield (tenor sax), and Tina Richerson (baritone sax), with all the women contributing vocals. —Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025