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

Narrated by the venerable David Attenborough in the BBC version and the incomparable Sigourney Weaver in the Discovery Channel edition, Planet Earth treats audiences with its high-tech, cutting-edge visuals that encompass both the grandeur and subtleties of Mother Earth. —Ilana Gordon, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025

Fans lean into sing-along energy, cross-generational memory, and sincerity over subtlety, positioning the film as counter-programming to darker or more ironic releases. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2025

The subtlety decreases as Elvira further modifies her body in anticipation of the ball. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 Dec. 2025

Some directors leaned so far toward subtlety, and the alleged virtue of immersion, that people in the theater barely noticed the effect. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2025

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