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subtile

adjective

Definition of subtilenext
as in subtle

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtile
  1. subtle
  2. cunning
  3. wily
  4. artful
  5. crafty
  6. trick
  7. sly
  8. tricky
Adjective
  • The comic tension embodies Cassavetes’ approach to the entire film, which involved some not-so-subtle manipulation of his actors behind the scenes.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026
  • And just like her clothes and accessories serve as a subtle nod to the '90s, so does her beauty look.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, third wife Iya Femi (Bimbo Ademoye) is the most cunning and ruthless in trying to defend her position within the household, playing up to Iya Segi’s schemes as her most willing conspirator.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • But the heart of this story is the toxic years-long romance between Marjorie and her co-conspirator Bill Rothstein (David Harbour), an equally cunning player who was blinded by love.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • The movie was initially teased with a wily fake relationship.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The Italian champions’ addition of Three Lions — England internationals John Stones, Curtis Jones and Djed Spence — is aimed at bringing more dynamism to a wily group who have reached two Champions League finals in four years.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of wily
Adjective
  • Laika is best known for its artful stop-motion animation films like Coraline, but has been pushing into the live-action space, building out a slate of features that include Lulu Wang‘s Audition, starring Lucy Liu and Charles Melton.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Both Farrelly and Antoine Fuqua, the director of the latter film, are making something more broad than artful.
    — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of artful
Adjective
  • This year, there’s something for nearly every interest, from cheese lovers and bookworms to crafty adults and puzzle enthusiasts.
    — Casey DelBasso, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Soto has been crafty on the base paths, recording nine steals on 12 attempts.
    — Data Skrive, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of crafty
Adjective
  • As Halloween approaches, investors seem fearful that good credit performance may be more trick than treat.
    — Telis Demos, WSJ, 21 Oct. 2022
  • If the high cost of it all is more trick than treat for you, here are several ways to turn your already smart home into a spook-tacularly genius haunted house.
    — Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2021
Definition of trick
Adjective
  • Whether these stories are fictional or heightened for comic effect is irrelevant; Simmons-Patterson’s conversational delivery and sly smile are so magnetic that audiences want to spend time in his universe either way.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Asked if Cole would be guaranteed a start in the Wild Card round, the likeliest scenario for the Yankees, the manager replied with a sly smile on Friday.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of sly
Adjective
  • New tight end Darren Waller followed that with a 7-yard TD catch on a tricky sideline route, and then added another TD early in the third quarter.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026
  • These illnesses often begin with symptoms that look very similar, so telling them apart can be tricky – especially when the beginning of cold and flu season in the fall can be the tail end of summer seasonal allergies.
    — Ann Sheehan, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of tricky
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.

Browse Nearby Words

subterranean
subtile
subtilty
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Cite this Entry

“Subtile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtile. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

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