subtlety
noun
sub·tle·ty
ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle
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
Inspired by the French filmmaker Éric Rohmer, whose work Keith has admired for its ability to unearth profound truths in the smallest human gestures, Advisry’s latest offering channels that same subtlety.
—
Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
Despite the transformative power of the makeup, Hiro and Safdie decided subtlety was key, especially for practical reasons.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Her thoughtful colleagues helped those subtleties sing.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Isaac can be a very subtle actor, but all subtlety has been hammered out of his performance, as Del Toro’s close-ups distort his already distinctive features.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
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Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
Despite the transformative power of the makeup, Hiro and Safdie decided subtlety was key, especially for practical reasons.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Her thoughtful colleagues helped those subtleties sing.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
Isaac can be a very subtle actor, but all subtlety has been hammered out of his performance, as Del Toro’s close-ups distort his already distinctive features.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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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