tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
Synonyms of tonalnext
1
: of or relating to tone, tonality, or tonicity
2
: having tonality
tonally adverb

Examples of tonal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Statement denim pieces include cutout bootcut jeans with buckle detailing, palazzo jeans with tonal embroidery, a sleeveless mini dress, and a butterfly tank top—a subtle nod to Parton, who has long embraced butterflies as a personal symbol of beauty, freedom and nature. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026 Instead of relying on a tired dobby border to maintain the towels’ shape, Frette instead opted for a tonal band of piping that goes all the way around the rounded bath staples. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 OpenAI is not the only lab where the tonal shift can be felt. Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 31 Mar. 2026 The tonal depth in his prints is rich, dense, and moody—not a void but a presence. Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tonal

Word History

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonal was in 1776

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Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

tonal

adjective
ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
: of or relating to a musical tone
tonally adverb

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