tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl 

1

: of or relating to tone, tonality, or tonicity

2

: having tonality

tonally

ˈtō-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of tonal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Headphone Lab promises accurate and reliable mix translation across playback systems by optimizing the tonal balance of each pair of headphones. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

In calibrating that tonal balance, Watts looked to a reference point outside the world of horror movies. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026

Instead, the designer recommends textural flooring such as cobblestone, moody shower walls, and surfaces with subtle tonal variation across walls, floors, and fixtures for a more lasting impact and a calm, elegant, and layered bathroom design. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Jan. 2026

Its distinctive suits were here imbued with a relaxed vibe, magnified by tonal combinations and easy yet effective styling choices, like trading classic shirts for flimsy turtlenecks. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tone entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tonal

• clonal
• sonal
• zonal
• atonal
• coronal
• hormonal
• umbonal
• veronal
• monoclonal
• polyclonal

Kids Definition

tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl 

: of or relating to a musical tone

tonally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb