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orchestral

adjective

Definition of orchestralnext
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 orchestral For the music lovers Candlelight Concerts Journey back to the ’70s in September with orchestral performances of some oldies but goodies. — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 This kind of orchestral pain—built up over years, mirrored back and forth between the characters, approached slant and head on at once—is where the Buffyverse is at its best. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026 The players either dramatically make or subtly avoid eye contact with one another as the song builds to an epic crescendo, complete with eerie chanting, orchestral bombast, and booming timpani drums. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Aug. 2026 Their palette combines large-scale orchestral writing with jazz influences, electronic elements and custom sound design. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for orchestral
Recent Examples of Synonyms for orchestral
  1. harmonic
  2. tonal
  3. rhythmic
  4. polyphonic
  5. chordal
  6. homophonic
  7. lyrical
  8. songful
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
  • Each sweater is embellished with XXV in tonal thread created by artisans to signify the 25th anniversary.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The film navigates an unusually delicate tonal terrain between black comedy, suspense and the fantastic.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of tonal
Adjective
  • Using gentle, rhythmic movements, an MLD therapist guides fluid around areas where lymph nodes or vessels have been damaged or removed.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • As the rhythmic clicking of a dozen sewing machines echoes through his small workshop, Ainé Pathé Ouédraogo weaves through the room, checking seams and hems.
    — Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of rhythmic
Adjective
  • Georgia is culturally alive and vibrant—polyphonic singing seen and heard through swirling traditional dances, finally, felt through ancient cobblestones underfoot.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The soundtrack—by the frequent Hans Zimmer collaborator David Fleming—is a delight, a polyphonic mood board of ghost-clangs, spooky bassoons, lyrical electro-motifs, and sighing sea themes.
    — James Parker, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026
Definition of polyphonic
Adjective
  • 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
Definition of chordal
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
Adjective
  • Dillard’s creative nonfiction about nature owes a debt to the lyrical prose of transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau, whom Dillard cited as a major influence in her work.
    — Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • McCartney 3, 2, 1 wasn’t exclusively aimed at music nerds, but a certain measure of nerdiness was ideal for appreciating the six-episode deep dive, which featured thorough lyrical analysis and ruminations on a unique journey.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of lyrical
Adjective
  • Bach was lively, supple, and, especially in the Larghetto, generous in its songful musicality.
    — Jeremy Eichler, BostonGlobe.com, 23 Sep. 2022
  • In the early going, some tender yet mystic motifs suggest the songful chromaticism of Olivier Messiaen.
    — Seth Colter Walls, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2022
Definition of songful

Browse Nearby Words

orchestra
orchestral
orchestras
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Cite this Entry

“Orchestral.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/orchestral. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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