atonal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Eventually, the atonal structure becomes the film’s nature.

From Salon • Mar. 8, 2026

For example, dissonant, atonal harmonies convey a sense of unrest.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

He once played a piece for piano, violin and oboe for Milhaud that contained a melody he was ashamed to have written, as 12-point atonal music was in vogue at the time.

From Washington Times • Feb. 9, 2023

When she graduated from Harvard, the kind of music she was playing was atonal, was experimental.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2022

As the name implies, atonal music treats all notes and harmonies as equal and in fact tries to avoid melodies and harmonies that will make the piece sound tonal.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones