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

The new version folds the song’s original orchestral arrangement into Electric Callboy’s blend of EDM and pop hooks, arriving a decade after the anime first premiered.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
Everything from Holden-Rea’s swooning orchestral score, which makes even the most mundane of mise en scène, courses with emotional histrionics, is calibrated for loud emotions.

— Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 16 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

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

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

Dillard’s creative nonfiction about nature owes a debt to the lyrical prose of transcendentalists like Henry David Thoreau, whom Dillard cited as a major influence in her work.

— Amy Cannon, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
McCartney 3, 2, 1 wasn’t exclusively aimed at music nerds, but a certain measure of nerdiness was ideal for appreciating the six-episode deep dive, which featured thorough lyrical analysis and ruminations on a unique journey.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of lyrical

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“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of tonal

adjective

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