subtlety
noun
sub·tle·ty
ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle
Synonyms
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
Cavalli lived in a technicolor world in which there was neither room for neither gray, nor subtlety.
—
Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
As for the acting, there’s a long way to go before AI can capture the nuance and subtlety of human performances.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024
Tailoring offerings to individual preferences, understanding regional variances, and acknowledging cultural subtleties have become instrumental in crafting memorable and resonant experiences.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024
Her tender delivery of a maternal promise to her children is warmer than a shot of whiskey, her lithe twang wielded with masterful subtlety.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2024
This is not a restaurant that is interested in the prevailing idea that elegance is synonymous with subtlety, or that all a fine palate needs in the way of seasoning is cream and a touch of salt.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2024
Jane adds that exotic aromas might be too polarizing for visitors, noting that subtlety is key.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
Calderón Kellett doesn’t worry too much about subtlety.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Trending Part dystopian nightmare and part PETA-friendly plea for tolerance — as a well as a coming-of-age movie with a fairy-tale-like sheen — The Animal Kingdom may have the metaphorical subtlety of an early Stan Lee/Jack Kirby X-Men comic storyline.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2024
Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 12 Apr. 2024
As for the acting, there’s a long way to go before AI can capture the nuance and subtlety of human performances.
—Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2024
Tailoring offerings to individual preferences, understanding regional variances, and acknowledging cultural subtleties have become instrumental in crafting memorable and resonant experiences.
—Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024
Her tender delivery of a maternal promise to her children is warmer than a shot of whiskey, her lithe twang wielded with masterful subtlety.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2024
This is not a restaurant that is interested in the prevailing idea that elegance is synonymous with subtlety, or that all a fine palate needs in the way of seasoning is cream and a touch of salt.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2024
Jane adds that exotic aromas might be too polarizing for visitors, noting that subtlety is key.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024
Calderón Kellett doesn’t worry too much about subtlety.
—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
Trending Part dystopian nightmare and part PETA-friendly plea for tolerance — as a well as a coming-of-age movie with a fairy-tale-like sheen — The Animal Kingdom may have the metaphorical subtlety of an early Stan Lee/Jack Kirby X-Men comic storyline.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subtlety.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near subtlety
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtlety
noun
sub·tle·ty
ˈsət-ᵊl-tē
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle
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