tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
Synonyms of tonalnext
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
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Wherever creator Lee Sung Jin took the concept next, a bitter rivalry would presumably be its driving force, just as Wong and Yeun’s searing anti-platonic chemistry powered Season 1 through some tonal bumps and big swings. Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Smart teased that the final season represents a tonal return after a heavier fourth outing. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 The Thin Red Line is a rich, tonal tapestry. Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026 Purple Cherry also notes its susceptibility to light sources poses a difficult challenge; daily natural light shifts, light fixtures, and shadows can change how chartreuse looks throughout the day or even create tonal shifts visible on a single wall. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026 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 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

tonal

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

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