subtler
ˈsət-lər,
ˈsə-tᵊl-ər
; subtlest
ˈsət-ləst,
ˈsə-tᵊl-əst
1
a
: delicate, elusive
a subtle fragrance
His eyes had a peculiar, subtle ray in them—not a gleam.—Theodore Dreiser
The peppers also have a pleasant hint of sweetness, which gives dishes featuring them a subtle richness.—Kim Marcus
… flowering kale is the chic caterer's dream, its subtle hues and fluffy forms ideal for filling out table displays …—Elizabeth Schneider
b
: difficult to understand or perceive : obscure sense 1c
a subtle truth
a subtle change
subtle differences in sound
The drafters of the bill had made a subtle but important error …—Jonathan Mahler
Unlike wolves, who seem in some subtle way to choose their prey for pursuit, cougars wait in hiding to make a short rush at any animal that happens by.—Chris Bolgiano
Many grammarians have made subtle distinctions between these two words …—Charles Einstein
c
: clever and indirect : disguised in purpose
She turned to me and began asking questions, ignoring my subtle hints that I was busy.—Clay Smith
The negative labels [given to young people] are not-so-subtle propaganda.—David Lipsky et al.
2
: having or involving keen perception or insight
a subtle scholar
the writer's subtle ear for dialogue
a subtle understanding of human nature
The success of many of the new vegetarian dishes depends on the heightened culinary intelligence, subtle sense of taste, and well-honed cooking skills that the current generation of hobby chefs has developed over the past decade.—Jinx Morgan
3
a
: highly skillful : expert
a subtle craftsman
The discoveries do not mean that hackers have a free ride into a Web developer's system … . Even in the case of the most serious flaw, it would take a subtle hacker to exploit it …—Jeremy Carl
4
5
: operating insidiously
subtle poisons
Ah, shallow as it is, yet, how subtle a thing is suspicion, which at times can invade the humanest of hearts and wisest of heads.—Herman Melville
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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