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

Five different characters sing their hearts out, and each performer meets the vocal and emotional demands of their star turn with both power and subtlety. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026

Duvall was a master of subtlety as an Irishman among Italians, rarely at the center of a scene, but often listening and advising in the background, an irreplaceable thread through the saga of the Corleone crime family. —Bob Thomas The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 17 Feb. 2026

Logomania typically isn't associated with subtlety, but leave it to style icon Demi Moore to turn the trend on its head. —Hannah Malach, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026

Leaving behind the poetics of artistic subtlety, the work here answers that question with sharp transparency. —Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 16 Feb. 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