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

Think the often brilliant atonal scores of 1950s horror films or Martin Scorsese’s marvelously devious use of avant-garde classics in “Shutter Island.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2023

Since the music is not organized by the familiar rules of Western music, many people have trouble appreciating atonal music without some help or study.

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