subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
Synonyms of subtlety
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Senegal home Sporting uniforms are not usually a canvas on which artists aim for subtlety. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 16 June 2026 The subtleties of silverware can be hard to master, but etiquette experts say there’s more than one right way to hold your cutlery. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 16 June 2026 The Roots Picnic freestyle is not from that tradition of subtlety. Jayson Buford, Rolling Stone, 3 June 2026 The subtlety and mundanity of life is funny enough. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtlety

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtlety was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun
sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

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