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.
Get in on the trend in this subtly boxy shirt with allover tonal floral lace embroidery. Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 5 July 2025 Picking up in a universe near the one represented in Mott’s last book, the award-winning Hell of A Book, People Like Us involves the same tonal gymnastics. Literary Hub july 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025 The first film’s tonal tightrope only worked because Williams in particular walked it so well, with her dry delivery perfectly capturing the obliviousness of Gemma’s disastrous attempts to hack her own life. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025 The deft tonal shifts, nuanced storytelling, and unvarnished performances announce the arrival of a riveting actor and filmmaker. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 June 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 8 Jul. 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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