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
ˈtō-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce tonal (audio)
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.
Last Week Tonight vet Juli Weiner, primarily) to transform the show into something with more jagged tonal edges and long-term potential, but little continuity with what came before. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026 The film’s tonal balance owes much to its bandit character, written to speak Singlish and cast, Yeo says, to give audiences an entry point among a story otherwise populated by immortals. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 Take a cue from this street style look by pairing a khaki wrap skirt with a tank tank for a tonal outfit that feels effortlessly polished. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Aug. 2026 Designers styled burgundy bags as effortlessly as a black bag, with tonal moments in shades of red and purple (as seen at Celine), contrasted with white, paired with navy and classic neutrals. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tonal

Word History

Etymology

tone entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of tonal was in 1776

Rhymes for tonal

See All Rhymes for tonal

Browse Nearby Words

tonadilla
tonal
tonalamatl
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tonal. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

tonal

adjective
ton·​al ˈtōn-ᵊl How to pronounce tonal (audio)
: of or relating to a musical tone
tonally
-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce tonal (audio)
adverb

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