atonal

[ey-tohn-l] / eɪˈtoʊn l /

ADJECTIVE

raucous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

discordant harsh loud strident

WEAK

absonant acute blaring blatant braying brusque cacophonous dissonant dry ear-piercing grating grinding gruff hoarse husky inharmonious jarring piercing rasping sharp squawking stertorous thick unharmonious unmusical

Antonyms

STRONGEST

low mild soft

WEAK

calm quiet subdued

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

“There’s this mournful, slightly atonal quality to his compositions,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

Another, you’ll be hearing the atonal student works of “Fantasy Pieces,” from 1959-60.

From New York Times • Jun. 29, 2023

The girl leans into my ear to shout above the atonal arrhythmic affront to decency that is Ashland Avenue.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan

Vocabulary lists containing atonal

Music - Middle School

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Music - High School

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Opera Vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!