polyphonic

adjective

variants or polyphonous
Definition of polyphonicnext
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 polyphonic All operatic singing, especially the polyphonic (multipart) style known as bel canto, requires tremendous breath control and vocal skill. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 May 2026 The attempts by the current administration to whitewash or erase certain aspects of American history, especially the horrors of slavery, are powerfully countered by the novel’s investigation of America’s origins and its polyphonic voices. — Time, 12 May 2026 The choral elements on the record shine most vividly on the title track, which features polyphonic swells of voices humming melodies, overtaking the piano, dropping and then rising again. — Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2026 Women who worked in shops sang together in bellowing, polyphonic unison. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 21 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polyphonic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for polyphonic
  1. harmonic
  2. homophonic
  3. orchestral
  4. rhythmic
  5. tonal
  6. chordal
  7. songful
  8. lyric
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
  • 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
  • Andai said Winters plays an important role in supporting students and orchestral music-making at a time when classical music is at risk of being marginalized in Miami.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Seth MacFarlane curated and helped finance the commissions, drawing on his lifelong devotion to orchestral music and his extensive work with live musicians.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of orchestral
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
  • 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
  • Brown handbags are being framed as a warmer alternative to the standard black bag, while tonal dressing extends the palette across entire outfits.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of tonal
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
  • 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
Adjective
  • This Special puzzle features lyric references, cultural landmarks and even historic events tied to Dylan.
    — Atoosa Moinzadeh, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Richardson discusses how his early fascination with science and his enjoyment of science fiction has influenced his poetry and considers the way his aphorisms counterbalance his more lyric poems.
    — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of lyric

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polyp
polyphonic
polyps
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Cite this Entry

“Polyphonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/polyphonic. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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