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

Think tonal paint colors, clean lines, and a nearly standoffish quality that doesn’t offer many clues into the heart of the home or the homeowners. — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026

The tonal coherence of Widow’s Bay depends to a large extent on Rhys, on his ability to ride the current between goofy startlement and raw terror. — James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Meanwhile, her partner and costar Tom Holland repped his superhero character with a tonal red look including a bright collared shirt and darker jacket. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 20 July 2026

Every foil placement, every transition, every tonal choice is visible. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 July 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
• embryonal
• monoclonal
• polyclonal

Kids Definition

tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl 

: of or relating to a musical tone

tonally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb