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
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.
At times, the tonal clash introduced by those pops of ultra-modernity borders on absurdism. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 30 Apr. 2026 This cardigan features a slightly cropped cut that skims the waist, a crew neckline, tonal iridescent buttons, and a ribbed trim. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 29 Apr. 2026 There are a few reversals of fortune on the way to Dan putting his divorce-via-murder plan into action, however, as well as a half dozen plot twists and wild tonal shifts heading your way at 120mph. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026 Wherever creator Lee Sung Jin took the concept next, a bitter rivalry would presumably be its driving force, just as Wong and Yeun’s searing anti-platonic chemistry powered Season 1 through some tonal bumps and big swings. Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Apr. 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.grautoblog.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 2 May. 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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