tone-setter

noun

1. a person or thing that establishes the quality or character that is to be followed subsequently

Example Sentences

“For me, that’s a tone-setter,” Williams said of the philosophical shift in the rushing attack.

From Los Angeles Times

“I do aspire one day, if the right NBA situation were to come along, I do aspire to really testing myself,” Hurley told The Mike Francesa Podcast this week, adding he would only be interested “if the organization wants a tone-setter to come in and instill a culture with young players and an organization that wants to pursue championships.”

From Los Angeles Times

But a release would certainly open the possibility Denver’s defensive tone-setter has played his last game in navy and orange, if not in the NFL altogether.

From Seattle Times

They could sure use their tone-setter down the stretch, providing he doesn’t get kicked out any more.

From Washington Times

"He is the ultimate tone-setter," Ham added.

From BBC