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.
The result often feels like tonal whiplash as the production attempts to scratch several itches without truly satisfying any. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Nov. 2025 The comedy is a tonal mess, veering between underdeveloped jokes and unearned sentiment. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 2025 The bags—each featuring tonal shades of brown and beige and a bold Coach logo—retail for $350-$395. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025 The near-tonal looks have been a successful recipe for the 204L thus far, although this particular pair switches things up slightly with its two-tone pink look. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 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 17 Nov. 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

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