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

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

The subtlety here is that financial stress is rarely just about money. — Dr. Erika Rasure, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

Senegal home Sporting uniforms are not usually a canvas on which artists aim for subtlety. — Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 16 June 2026

That subtlety is probably the 720M's greatest strength. — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 21 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