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

Her producer, Jonathan Wilson, had the idea to juxtapose her live take “with some really weird, atonal strings,” he said.

From New York Times • Dec. 29, 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