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
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Witherspoon paired the pumps with a tonal outfit, layering a structured burgundy jacket over matching trousers and a simple top — keeping the same color palette from her weekend look. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025 The tonal grace of Lalah Hathaway. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 Oct. 2025 Their tonal, lower-contrast patterns create structure and grid-like drama in spaces small and large. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025 There was a moment of disbelief, though, because of the tonal disconnect. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 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 14 Oct. 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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