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 adaptation could be the largest tonal departure in this fair crop. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026 For something more monochrome, a white sneaker keeps the whole outfit in one tonal family. — Pooja Mistry, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 This male and female duo navigated the film’s tonal shifts between horror and comedy with ease. — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026 Embracing a minimalist aesthetic, Brinkley arrived in a $2,000 cotton-and-silk shirt dress cinched at the waist with a tonal belt that hung down past her knees. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 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
  • Each line of counterpoint, each aching harmonic turn, felt like a direct transmission from some higher dimension.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
  • To protect harmless bugs, pets, and children, the drone analyzes the unique sonar signatures, such as wingbeat frequencies and harmonic structures.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 27 July 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • The first edition featured an orchestral performance at Ajuda National Palace and attracted more than 100 participants.
    — Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • Deep ocean recordings blend with orchestral timpani, distant explosions, vibrations and the recorded buzzing of bees.
    — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 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 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
  • 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
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
  • For someone who performs in a mask and had often relied on metaphor to guide his lyrical decisions, his connection with his fans is unusually close.
    — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 24 July 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 lyrical

Browse Nearby Words

ton
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tone
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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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