chordal

adjective

Definition of chordalnext
as in harmonic

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chordal Probably because at the time many of the time signatures and chordal progressions that Miles used were over the head of a young guitar player still functioning in the blues and folk idioms. — Steve Baltin, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Hudson buttressed Al Kooper’s original organ part into a chordal fortress, part of an incendiary performance that surges to peak after peak. — Jon Pareles, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025 The Italian Jewish composer Salamone Rossi set Psalm 112 in Hebrew, in mainly chordal antiphony. — Scott Cantrell, Dallas News, 2 Mar. 2020 It can be strummed, plucked, played for chordal accompaniment or virtuosic runs. — John Adamian, courant.com, 4 Oct. 2019 Leven effortlessly pivoted back and forth between cozying up to Stepner’s line and joining the lower strings’ strong chordal figures, adding a soloistic glimmer on occasion. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 1 July 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chordal
  1. harmonic
  2. tonal
  3. orchestral
  4. rhythmic
  5. polyphonic
  6. homophonic
Adjective
  • But at times, the caliber of their technical and harmonic choices sounds arty and sophisticated.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Mehldau takes special care to retain Smith’s idiosyncratic chord structures, accentuating his sublime harmonic feel.
    — Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of tonal
Adjective
  • Howard created multiple variations, including a piano-and-cello duet and orchestral arrangements.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • On the other side of the scale, the all-out live music experience featuring Sacramento orchestral and choral performers runs twice every Saturday evening until the end of the residency.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of orchestral
Adjective
  • Sorkin writes very rhythmic dialogue that is meant to be delivered note-perfect down to the comma.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Heat, gentle pressure and rhythmic massage can simply feel good, whether your neck is bothering you or not.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of rhythmic
Adjective
  • In polyphonic music such as Bach, Van Bloss offers a superhuman degree of precision and individuality.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Dja Dja comprises 14 songs of polyphonic glitz, MIDI fugues, and Balinese gamelan to form an epic suite spanning ancient timbres and hectic sound design, pure pop and a beguiling avant-garde.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of polyphonic
Adjective
  • In this grid, the revealer is at 57-Across, clued with [Hides one’s central point, in a way … with a doubly homophonic hint to 20-, 30-, 38- and 48-Across].
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • My introduction to homophonic translation came from my former teacher, Mónica de la Torre.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2026
Definition of homophonic

Browse Nearby Words

chord
chordal
chorded
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Cite this Entry

“Chordal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chordal. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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