unsubtle

adjective

un·​sub·​tle ˌən-ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce unsubtle (audio)
unsubtler; unsubtlest
: not indirect or difficult to perceive : not subtle
an unsubtle hint/reminder
Historical records suggest that subtle variations in the sun's energy output can have decidedly unsubtle effects on the earth's climate …M. Mitchell Waldrop
unsubtly
ˌən-ˈsət-lē
-ˈsə-tᵊl-(l)ē How to pronounce unsubtle (audio)
adverb

Examples of unsubtle in a Sentence

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.
Every so often, the dead monarchs and their court sashay out of the past to offer unsubtle commentary. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025 Condé Nast abruptly fired four staffers who were among a group of more than a dozen employees who confronted the company’s head of human resources on Wednesday, an unsubtle message to its employee union that the publisher was taking a harder line in its dealings with employees. Max Tani, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025 The show’s unsubtle dialogue can feel like a first draft. Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025 There is a lot of agonizingly unsubtle product placement — for AMC theaters, Starry soda, even Paramount itself. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unsubtle

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unsubtle was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unsubtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unsubtle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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