aton·al
(ˌ)ā-ˈtō-nᵊl 
(ˌ)a-
: marked by avoidance of traditional musical tonality
especially
: organized without reference to key or tonal center and using the tones of the chromatic scale impartially
ato·nal·i·ty
¦ā-tō-ˈna-lə-tē
¦a-
¦a-
plural -es
: a style of composition in which the musical material is organized without reference to key or tonal center and in which the tones of the chromatic scale are used impartially
Examples of atonal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026
The first concert starts with Ciani’s signature ocean sounds before Cunningham’s chords—dull, glassy—add an atonal sheen.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
Some of it is almost atonal and experimental.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026
Via new music, staging and projections, the concerts include One Morning Turns Into An Eternity, which examines deep grief and trauma as well as transcendence through atonal and meditative works.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atonal
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Adjective
As is Takal, clearly having fun with the film’s queasy, lurching atmospherics, abetted by the sparse, shivery, atonal chimes of Jonathan Goldsmith’s score, and the floating, disembodied feel of Robert Leitzell’s camerawork.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 13 June 2026
The first concert starts with Ciani’s signature ocean sounds before Cunningham’s chords—dull, glassy—add an atonal sheen.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 9 Apr. 2026
Some of it is almost atonal and experimental.
—Steve Appleford, SPIN, 6 Apr. 2026
Via new music, staging and projections, the concerts include One Morning Turns Into An Eternity, which examines deep grief and trauma as well as transcendence through atonal and meditative works.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for atonal
Cite this Entry
“Atonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/atonal. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
atonal
adjective
aton·al
(ˈ)ā-ˈtōn-əl
(ˈ)a-
: being music written without traditional organization based on a scale
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