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.
There are no weak links here, only actors walking a tonal high wire with equal aplomb. Demetrios Matheou, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 The Duchess of Sussex paired the sweater with linen blend pleated pants courtesy of Zara, continuing the muted tonal motif. Wwd Staff, WWD, 5 Mar. 2025 This smorgasbord of gameplay styles and tonal shifts is the core appeal of Split Fiction. Kyle Wilson, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025 On the back of the dress was a third shoe, a tonal 3D trompe l’oeil placed between her shoulder blades. Marina Watts, People.com, 3 Mar. 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 12 Mar. 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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