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

In the process, American comedy went from being a writer’s medium, conceptual and self-aware, to a more tonal form that rewarded actors’ screen presence and sense of timing. — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Ultimately Kane came to appreciate that the two versions were completely different tonal experiences. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

There's a tricky tonal balance in treating the lawyers' gasp-inducing ruthlessness as entertaining and even amusing while also allowing its consequences to be clear. — Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

To pair the piece with Celine’s more tailored pieces like the trousers and blouse added a tonal contrast that still executed on its luxury aesthetic, though with a touch of rebellion. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 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