1
as in shrewd
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delicate
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
the subtle strokes of the painter's brush
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Everything happens in a fluid, subtle manner.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The pop singer makes a break for riskier, more exciting musical territory, swerving between noisy club bangers and newly subtle pop gems.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Some examples from Myers include the subtle etching in marble, the soft wear of limestone, the lived-in texture of linen, or the subtle fading and marks that form in hardwood floors.
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Revolve excels at minimalist tops with subtle details that instantly elevate an outfit, and this off-the-shoulder style delivers that same refined effect.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The pop singer makes a break for riskier, more exciting musical territory, swerving between noisy club bangers and newly subtle pop gems.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Some examples from Myers include the subtle etching in marble, the soft wear of limestone, the lived-in texture of linen, or the subtle fading and marks that form in hardwood floors.
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Revolve excels at minimalist tops with subtle details that instantly elevate an outfit, and this off-the-shoulder style delivers that same refined effect.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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The 56-year-old Iranian American, who grew up in Los Angeles, is the architect of shrewd moves that have brought Paramount within reach of its blockbuster merger that would redefine Hollywood.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Prove his nous in the transfer market Based on Nuno’s first window, Axel Disasi, 28, the loanee from Chelsea and Taty Castellanos, 27, the €29m arrival from Lazio, were shrewd signings.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Removing the surrounding rock and exposing delicate anatomical details required years of careful work.—
Sanaa El-Sayed,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
-
Adaptation is always a delicate balance.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Future studies will aim to pinpoint the Altar Stone’s exact location of origin within the Orcadian Basin and map its transport journey in exquisite detail.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
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Unsurprisingly, owing to the brand’s long legacy of crafting exquisite jewels, aesthetics rule at Bulgari hotels.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Goodman aims to be a cunning thief.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
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What could be more cunning and disgusting than training dogs to commit anal rape?—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
Adjective
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Among the city’s finest is Michael Lepage, who has been honing his Paul Revere character for over 30 years.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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But in this case, store-bought is also fine—often even great.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
Given its elegant design and everyday practicality, this breezy dress can go just about anywhere.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
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Its beautiful white flowers make for an elegant addition to any yard.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
In its first international friendly since March, the US showed off slick offense in a 3-2 win over Senegal in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 31.—
Jim Sciutto,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
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Short-and-sweet patent pieces from Christian Siriano and Ferrari had a distinctly slick shine, while at Kate Barton, satin organza gave her flirty designs a glassy glint.—
InStyle,
InStyle,
7 June 2026
Adjective
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Then, just moments later — 16 seconds to be exact — Mitch Marner was credited with a goal after Carolina defenseman Sean Walker tipped his shot into the back of his own net.—
Matt Reigle,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2026
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The man’s name and the exact cause of his medical condition or injury was not available but will be confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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