tonal

adjective

Definition of tonalnext
as in harmonic

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 The film navigates an unusually delicate tonal terrain between black comedy, suspense and the fantastic. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • 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
  • Sorkin writes very rhythmic dialogue that is meant to be delivered note-perfect down to the comma.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Heat, gentle pressure and rhythmic massage can simply feel good, whether your neck is bothering you or not.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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
  • In polyphonic music such as Bach, Van Bloss offers a superhuman degree of precision and individuality.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Dja Dja comprises 14 songs of polyphonic glitz, MIDI fugues, and Balinese gamelan to form an epic suite spanning ancient timbres and hectic sound design, pure pop and a beguiling avant-garde.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 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
  • Ye voiced their lyrical competition, griped about feeling unappreciated, and, most notably, suggested that Jay-Z copied one of his collaboration ideas and released it first.
    — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The music is catchy and fun, though some of its lyrical content may give parents pause.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of lyrical

Browse Nearby Words

ton
tonal
tone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All