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 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

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 sound design — marked by silences, ambient natural sounds such as snowfall and birdsong, the unhurried rhythm of speech, and an original score built on tranquil orchestral elements — amplifies the film’s contemplative tone.

— Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
But what gave me the most challenges, excitement and joy has always been playing, especially orchestral.

— Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of orchestral

Adjective

Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours.

— Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
Just over four years ago in May 2022, 10-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Sasha Paskal and her mother, Maria, were enjoying some time together in the scenic seaside village of Zatoka in the Odesa region of southwestern Ukraine.

— Emile Nuh, CNN Money, 31 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

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

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

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Synonyms of tonal

adjective

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