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Synonyms

cadence

American  
[keyd-ns] / ˈkeɪd ns /

noun

  1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words.

    the cadence of language.

  2. (in free verse) a rhythmic pattern that is nonmetrically structured.

  3. the beat, rate, or measure of any rhythmic movement.

    The chorus line danced in rapid cadence.
    Synonyms:
    meter, rhythm, pulse, tempo

  4. the flow or rhythm of events, especially the pattern in which something is experienced.

    the frenetic cadence of modern life.

  5. a slight falling in pitch of the voice in speaking or reading, as at the end of a declarative sentence.

  6. the general modulation of the voice.

  7. Music. a sequence of notes or chords that indicates the momentary or complete end of a composition, section, phrase, etc.

verb (used with object)

cadenced, cadencing

  1. to make rhythmical.

cadence British  
/ ˈkeɪdəns /

noun

  1. the beat or measure of something rhythmic

  2. a fall in the pitch of the voice, as at the end of a sentence

  3. modulation of the voice; intonation

  4. a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose; measure

  5. the close of a musical phrase or section

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cadence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Italian cadenza cadenza

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We expect the cadence of AI-related order wins to accelerate and catalyze shares,” Dorsheimer wrote.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Do what gives you energy, Bryant says, whether it’s meditating, journaling or increasing the cadence of your therapy sessions.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Assuming Apple stays on its yearly cadence of device renewal, we will be on the iPhone 32 by then.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

The cadence was the perfect balance to keep the energy high, and of course, what’s R&B without some ballads and sad love songs?

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 2, 2026

Snapping drums, a flexing of sound, and a high threading of guitar over a smoother cadence and then the man sang.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.