subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtle (audio)
Definition of subtlenext
1
as in shrewd
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means used subtle methods of persuasion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delicate
made or done with extreme care and accuracy the subtle strokes of the painter's brush

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a subtle suggestion of the Near East in the soup's flavoring

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of subtle Plus, its subtle scent is refreshing rather than overpowering. — Sara Coughlin, Allure, 9 July 2026 The tender cake benefits from the subtle hint of lemon, while the fluffy frosting has more intense notes. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 9 July 2026 As for additional benefits, the bra converters provide a subtle lift and enhance breast perkiness and shape in seconds. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 9 July 2026 And the fourth one is kind of subtle, and that’s thinking about next generation missions. — Quanta Magazine, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
  1. cunning
  2. delicate
  3. exquisite
  4. slick
  5. fine
  6. elegant
  7. deceptive
  8. exact
Adjective
  • This Claudia is the opposite of Hayles’s quiet, cunning performance as Regina and conveys a phenomenal range.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Also of great importance in the finale is the revelation that the Soviets, thanks to the cunning genius of the Chief Designer, made it to Venus after all.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • Their wide silhouette creates an interesting contrast with the delicate shape of a granny blouse.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 9 July 2026
  • Satellites perform a delicate dance to maintain their orbit, by locking themselves to a speed just fast enough to counteract the downward pull of gravity.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 July 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • France came into the game having scored fourteen goals across the tournament, several of them exquisite demonstrations of the team’s style and vitality.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • From the central open-air firepit of the Great Porch, to the playful tile spewed throughout various common spaces and the 65 cabins and cottages, the design of Wildflower is exquisite.
    — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • However, these benefits can’t be fully enjoyed if you’re left with flat and slick strands.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
  • The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 July 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Her presence helps define the smart way Little Fish positions itself along the borderlines of casual and fancy, quirky and elegant.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The state agency said clinic staffers had clients sign a personal injury waiver, which the commission said was unenforceable, against public policy and deceptive and dishonest.
    — Ashley Hiruko, ProPublica, 8 July 2026
  • Bartůňková and Krejčíková share finesse in the front of the court as well as deceptive power, with Bartůňková’s excellent spot-serving giving her a platform and Krejčíková’s ability to change rhythm at will trying to destabilize it.
    — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • The sober home ordinances that the state is attacking are modeled after Costa Mesa’s rules; rules that have prevailed over these exact kinds of objections in federal court.
    — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 9 July 2026
  • Lagree was originally built for that exact crowd, actresses and models already in peak physical condition who wanted to sculpt without bulking up.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of exact

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subtitles
subtle
subtleness
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Cite this Entry

“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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