1
as in shrewd
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delicate
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
the subtle strokes of the painter's brush
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a subtle suggestion of the Near East in the soup's flavoring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
And for nearly every other character on the Emmy-winning series, jokes functioned as both an act of warm generosity and subtle self-preservation.
—
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Sweet Corn Shortbread and Sweet Corn Milk Bread both yielded a sunny yellow color and subtle sweetness.
—The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
Chemical differences can translate into subtle health differences.
—Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
This time around, the new Ducks of a Feather x Nike Air Max 1 takes a more subtle approach with its Tokyo-exclusive colorway.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Sweet Corn Shortbread and Sweet Corn Milk Bread both yielded a sunny yellow color and subtle sweetness.
—The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 June 2026
Chemical differences can translate into subtle health differences.
—Rosemary Trout, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
This time around, the new Ducks of a Feather x Nike Air Max 1 takes a more subtle approach with its Tokyo-exclusive colorway.
—Riley Jones, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Dano’s static line delivery gets used for a chilling but laconic effect as his character’s cunning political negotiations lead to deadly outcomes.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
-
There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
After Silseth, though, the Angels’ relievers did a nice job and the hitters executed in the 10th to push home the winner.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
11 June 2026
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Gavin theorizes that maybe everything is a little too nice, a little too boring, and Kenny wants some more passion in his relationship.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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All were treated to an exquisite seated dinner of tropical fruit salad and surf-and-turf entrees.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
What this means is that a great number of exquisite pieces—some of my favorite pieces, in fact—did not make it into the collection.—
Cheri Lucas Rowlands,
Longreads,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Catching feelings for her cute and reliable RA, Noel Crane (Scott Foley, making his second appearance on this list).—
Allison DeGrushe Published,
EW.com,
20 Aug. 2025
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However, Archie follows the high school hijinks of the cute Archie and his main squeezes, Veronica and Betty.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Decent, albeit a bit soggy and delicate in flavor.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
11 June 2026
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Available in 16 summer-ready colors, the sweater top brings an elegant twist to your wardrobe with its dramatic sleeves, throwback boxy silhouette, and delicate ruffle detailing.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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The bed’s half-moon silhouette is elegant and the perfect space-saving design for tighter gardens or patios.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Aug. 2025
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Not only do Loewe’s interior scents—like its refreshing cucumber fragrance—smell wonderful, but the elegant bottles make attractive ornaments for your bookshelf or coffee table.—
Katherine Burns Olson,
Architectural Digest,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Serena Williams opted to let Nike break the news about her pro tennis comeback at age 44 in two slick commercials.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
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Many of his posts about addiction evoke the slick faux-profundity of ChatGPT.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
11 June 2026
Adjective
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In a pinch, Aparacio says a simple mixture of soap and water will also work just fine.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
14 June 2026
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Any outdoor activities, including the Orioles game, will be fine through mid-afternoon.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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