tonal

adjective

ton·​al ˈtō-nᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
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
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.
In the campaign, Long models pieces from the Skims Body, Seamless Sculpt and Hosiery collections, putting the brand’s diverse range of tonal pieces front and center. Julia Teti, WWD, 19 Dec. 2024 Moreover, this Superman also feels a lot like a tonal reset for what could otherwise be a sequel to Man of Steel. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 What feels like a tonal treadmill is mostly differentiated by environments that will no doubt be wildly confusing to many elementary schoolers’ understanding of African geography, and may even lead adults to mix up the characters. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 17 Dec. 2024 Individuals may find themselves in online communities that encourage the sharing of similar viewpoints or tonal language, which is when a phrase is dependent on the pitch or tone with which it is spoken, according to a 2024 study. Gina Park, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near tonal

Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

tonal

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tonal

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