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 In the process, American comedy went from being a writer’s medium, conceptual and self-aware, to a more tonal form that rewarded actors’ screen presence and sense of timing. — Dan Brooks, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 There's a tricky tonal balance in treating the lawyers' gasp-inducing ruthlessness as entertaining and even amusing while also allowing its consequences to be clear. — Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 Brown handbags are being framed as a warmer alternative to the standard black bag, while tonal dressing extends the palette across entire outfits. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026 The film navigates an unusually delicate tonal terrain between black comedy, suspense and the fantastic. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 19 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
  • Ziggy Marley was headlining the show with Burning Spear, and the air was thick with the sound of harmonic lineage.
    — Sophie Miller, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But at times, the caliber of their technical and harmonic choices sounds arty and sophisticated.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of harmonic
Adjective
  • The emotions are real; the sentimental orchestral score by Joseph Trapanese goes overboard.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • By Sunday night, videos from both performances went viral on social media as online users marveled at the Spanish singer’s operatic vocals and orchestral melodies.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of orchestral
Adjective
  • Piezoelectric generators are particularly attractive for implants because the body is constantly moving, from the expansion and contraction of the lungs to the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Shifting between precision and improvisation, each rhythmic mark registers its own time signature.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 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
  • The thing was to be able to do it artsy-fartsy, slick, lyrical, and whatever the [new] generation calls it.
    — Angel Diaz, Billboard, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The new record reveals a deep reverence for an acutely lyrical branch of Atlanta rap.
    — Narsimha Gour Chintaluri, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 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 26 Oct. 2026.

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