tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
1
: of or relating to tone, tonality, or tonicity
2
: having tonality
tonally adverb

Examples of tonal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Superman had an aesthetic and sensibility, as well as tonal balance and sense of humor, that works for superhero movies meant for all audience members. Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Strange New Worlds would choose to swing the tonal pendulum back to the light side with season three’s second episode. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 July 2025 Leaders in Kyiv and elsewhere have celebrated a major tonal shift from Trump, who had until recent weeks spoken glowingly of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Gram Slattery, USA Today, 16 July 2025 The low-top sneaker is crafted from white calfskin leather, and a tonal grosgrain trim that highlights the sneaker construction on the eyestay, toe box and heel counter with integrated pull tab. Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for tonal

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonal was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

tonal

adjective
ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
: of or relating to a musical tone
tonally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on tonal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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