subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms of subtlety

• 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

The night ended with each member exiting through a lone blue door built for the occasion; subtlety was clearly not the goal. — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Versace isn't one of the world's most famous fashion houses thanks to its subtlety, and the brand's swimsuits are just as bright, bold, and daring as its couture and ready-to-wear collections. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 24 June 2026

Instead, Coddington suggests incorporating some subtlety with more nuanced and sophisticated shades like aubergine over red. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 24 June 2026

His own flaw being his lack of subtlety at times. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 23 June 2026

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