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.
Sorry to labour the point, but there’s also a tonal difference. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025 In so doing, the filmmakers are able to keep us in two tonal spaces at the same time. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025 This white pair features a pop of pastel peach on the collar, heel, and interior—adding a fresh touch of spring color to its otherwise tonal palette. Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025 In the end, this premiere feels jumbled on a tonal, narrative, and thematic level, unable to really settle on one target to satirize and explore in depth. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2025 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 28 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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