TONAL Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

tonal

adjective

Definition of tonal

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 Both recommends choosing soft, tonal patterns and textured finishes to achieve the quiet luxury aesthetic. — Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2026 The later tonal shifts from one mood to the other detract from the film’s more naturalistic vibe, and the first half is much more satisfying. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026 Like that anthology series, Phony weaves together disparate tonal strands — humor, horror, and heart. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026 Brinkley opted for a tonal look, layering a blush coat over an even paler pink lace cocktail dress, while her daughter dove all in with a nearly neon shade of fuchsia. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tonal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tonal

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

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

Haring, whose artwork is characterized by bold outlines and rhythmic figures punctuated by playful wit, has become synonymous with the 1980s New York downtown art scene.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
At first, people used drum machines as metronomes — to keep a drummer from speeding up or slowing down and to keep everyone on the same rhythmic wavelength.

— Kristin Robinson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 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

One is a desire to reflect a polyphonic approach to narrative.

— David L. Ulin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
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

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

Adjective

Yet, as with many of Swift’s exes, Hiddleston will forever and always provide some sort of lyrical stimulus.

— Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2026
Some collaborators wanted to talk first, establishing a concept and lyrical world before anyone touched the melody.

— Crystal Bell, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of lyrical

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“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of tonal

adjective

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