subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms

• cunning
• artfulness
• subtleness

Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

The pianist performed with subtlety and passion.

we appreciated the subtlety with which our host indicated that it was time to leave: he volunteered to pack us a little lunch for the road

Recent Examples on the Web

Interestingly enough, the luminous pearl glides freely through the rail, allowing for subtlety that moves with you. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025

The actress manages to pull this off with subtlety and grace in a movie that could have easily gone straight for the emotional jugular. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025

For an actor who’s long mastered the art of subtlety, this role feels like a deliberate shake-up, and a reminder that Stanfield’s range still has new corners to reveal. —Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2025

Restraint and subtlety have become her trademarks. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sotilte, subtilte, from Anglo-French sotilté, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle