Dulcet
What it means
Pleasantly sweet, gentle, and soothing to hear.
Reach for it when praising a voice, tone, or sound for smooth musical softness
Dulcet flute notes settled over the courtyard at dusk.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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everyday
Fits when a rounded, relaxed tone has no harsh edge
Careful Mellow can be low or warm without the light sweetness implied by dulcet.
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everyday
Fits when a familiar word for pleasant sound is preferable
Careful Sweet is broad and can sound childish or sentimental in formal music criticism.
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warm
Fits when the sound's calming effect matters most
Careful Soothing may describe rain or noise without suggesting musical sweetness.
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professional
Fits when expressive musical flow deserves attention
Careful Lyrical emphasizes expression and line, not necessarily gentleness or sweetness.
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formal
Fits when a voice or language flows with rich, smooth sweetness
Careful Mellifluous is more ornate and can sound affected in an everyday compliment.
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literary
Fits when a pleasing sequence of musical tones is central
Careful A single soft voice or bell tone can be dulcet without forming a melody.
Opposites 3
- harsh
- strident
- grating
Common phrases 3
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dulcet tones
The host's dulcet tones made the late announcement easier to hear.
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dulcet voice
Her dulcet voice carried clearly without disturbing the quiet room.
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dulcet melody
A dulcet melody returned between the louder movements.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated