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.
The collection which has already launched online is filled with a tonal color palette and comfortable attire such as silk sets and bomber jackets ideal for work and play. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 8 Feb. 2025 The problem, not to put too fine a point on it, is that The Brutalist forsakes tonal subtlety for a full plunge into Southern or Mid-Atlantic Gothic, with the Van Burens becoming almost literally vampiric. Anthony Paletta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025 For detractors, these origins are evident in the movie’s jarring tonal swings. Nate Jones, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025 Filled with tonal palettes splattered across t-shirts, bomber jackets, elevated trousers, silk sets and more, Hopkins and Boohooman made sure to keep the collection affordable with every piece under $60. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 3 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near tonal

Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 14 Feb. 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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