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 Another brand, Gestuz, demonstrated that tonal looks don't have to be exclusively minimalist or understated. — Miriam Nehring, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2026 Last Week Tonight vet Juli Weiner, primarily) to transform the show into something with more jagged tonal edges and long-term potential, but little continuity with what came before. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 Take a cue from this street style look by pairing a khaki wrap skirt with a tank tank for a tonal outfit that feels effortlessly polished. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 Designers styled burgundy bags as effortlessly as a black bag, with tonal moments in shades of red and purple (as seen at Celine), contrasted with white, paired with navy and classic neutrals. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 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
  • Everything in between is a dream, at least according to Anthony Hopkins, composer of orchestral music.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • For orchestral music, like John Adams’ The Gospel According to the Other Mary, the Miltons prove a solid platform.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of orchestral
Adjective
  • Andrés Tambornino’s rhythmic editing pulls together the disparate kinds of stock and material, helping to create a strong sense of forward momentum throughout.
    — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The resulting sound combines disco and psychedelic funk with Turkish melodies, rhythmic patterns and lyrics.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The man was a rock and roll sound smith and a lyrical sorcerer.
    — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The music on the new record is vivid in its storytelling and unapologetically emotional, lyrical and expressive.
    — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of lyrical

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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 17 Aug. 2026.

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