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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.
The fluidity of Rihanna’s look was matched by the singer’s maxiskirt, which continued the black tonal motif of her attire. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 21 Nov. 2025 Hadid kept the look monochromatic, fusing together various shades of brown and camel for an all-over tonal effect. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 18 Nov. 2025 Obviously, there’s a tonal difference between our work and their work. Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025 Find Balance The key to this rich dining room is keeping colors in the same tonal range, with the dining set and wall color (Paint & Paper Library Paris Rooftops) equally full-bodied. Lacey Howard, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Nov. 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 27 Nov. 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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