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 To pair the piece with Celine’s more tailored pieces like the trousers and blouse added a tonal contrast that still executed on its luxury aesthetic, though with a touch of rebellion. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 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 Both recommends choosing soft, tonal patterns and textured finishes to achieve the quiet luxury aesthetic. — Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 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
  • The Lynn Philharmonia, under the direction of Maestro Jon Robertson, presents inaugural pops concert gala featuring some of America’s most iconic orchestral music.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The band is reaching further beyond its guitar-rock foundations, pushing deeper into electronic moodiness and orchestral sweep in songs that feel more designed than banged out.
    — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 12 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

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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tonal. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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