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.
At once absurd and unsettling, The Happening is a daring tonal experiment about humanity’s gentle extinction. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 July 2025 As an alternative, Steele suggests a tonal, muted green hue, such as Green Trellis. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2025 The genre was also caught in a tonal tussle between light and dark. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 25 July 2025 The boots will be available in both men’s and women’s styles, featuring chili-pepper tonal stitching and retail for $345 a pair. Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 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 6 Aug. 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

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