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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The standout element of the design was the asymmetric front placket in tonal suede, fastened with a row of covered buttons. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Feb. 2026 Each nail features a small heart painted in one of the shades most similar to its base, creating a pretty tonal look. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 31 Jan. 2026 Described as more of a tonal companion to The Worm than a direct continuation, The Answerers is equal parts existential thriller and absurdist comedy, exploring belief, delusion and the human need for meaning in an increasingly turbulent modern world. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 30 Jan. 2026 The discursions also make for some uneasy tonal shifts. Pete Tosiello, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 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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