tonal

adjective

Definition of tonalnext
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 tonal This spring’s Through Zero touts six compositions covering a vast tonal range that benefits from the years of exploration. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026 Maxo sounds invigorated, finding the middle ground between Personification’s slack delivery and the tonal pliability that made Brandon Banks and Weight of the World so immediate. — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026 Users can store up to five profiles on the physical device, including different headphone calibrations and custom tonal curves. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Poopsie’s smile was the beat of visual humor that gave the bit the tonal shift that was missing from its initial narrative construction. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tonal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tonal
  1. harmonic
  2. orchestral
  3. rhythmic
  4. chordal
  5. polyphonic
  6. homophonic
  7. lyrical
Adjective
  • These filings offer no melodic details, nothing rhythmic, nothing harmonic or structural.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 6 July 2026
  • The rhythmic pulse of hand clapping, accompanied by the resounding harmonic messages through voice.
    — Ukee Washington, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • While working with composer Nicholas Britell on Andor and Michael Giacchino on Rogue One, Gilroy was struck by the orchestral landscape that surrounded them.
    — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
  • David Baerwald is an American songwriter, composer, lyricist, and novelist, whose work has spanned 1970s punk rock, award-winning solo recordings, Grammy-winning mega-hits, orchestral film music, and literary fiction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Definition of orchestral
Adjective
  • The microphones pick up the rhythmic thwack of leather on leather as Zizou executes a series of short passes with teammates.
    — Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 11 July 2026
  • There is the rhythmic, at times monotonous pattern of the minor-league baseball season.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of rhythmic
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
  • The exhibition is divided into three parts, with each envisioned as a part of a polyphonic score existing within the larger symphony of Busan itself.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 8 July 2026
  • As a consequence of its sheer polyphonic complexity, Moby-Dick thwarts simple interpretation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of polyphonic
Adjective
  • My introduction to homophonic translation came from my former teacher, Mónica de la Torre.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Jan. 2026
  • How does this make any sense except as a very stupid, clumsy, idiotic no good way to give us a homophonic bridge to Gandalf.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024
Definition of homophonic
Adjective
  • While certain songs successfully couple lyrical and musical prowess to arrive at a stirring destination, not every track is quite as ambitious.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026
  • In December and January, ZBB swapped sheds for Las Vegas’ Sphere with an eight-show residency that interwove captivating visuals with thoughtful lyrical storytelling.
    — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of lyrical

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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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