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 By the late 19th century, however, some composers began to stretch the limits of tonal harmony through increasingly complex chromaticism. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026 The suede finish adds a rich, autumnal texture, while the tonal tassels offer a refined nod to the traditional loafer. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 The absence of an exchange leaves the reader fingering loose threads and, in the absence of plot, listening into tonal shifts and ruptures. — Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026 Another brand, Gestuz, demonstrated that tonal looks don't have to be exclusively minimalist or understated. — Miriam Nehring, Glamour, 7 Aug. 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
  • Written on his deathbed in 1988, Feldman‘s piece reflects a final harmonic vision combining mismatched patterning of Turkish rugs and Hebraic chant.
    — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Each line of counterpoint, each aching harmonic turn, felt like a direct transmission from some higher dimension.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • This kind of orchestral pain—built up over years, mirrored back and forth between the characters, approached slant and head on at once—is where the Buffyverse is at its best.
    — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Their palette combines large-scale orchestral writing with jazz influences, electronic elements and custom sound design.
    — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of orchestral
Adjective
  • Swimming also reduces stress as rhythmic breathing and movement trigger the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins and dopamine, which produce a sense of euphoria and well-being.
    — Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Sure, rhythmic, pattering rain can help regulate your nervous system, and trigger your autonomous sensory meridian response, but me?
    — Erita Chen, New Yorker, 14 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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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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