1
as in cunning
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 nice
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
With generative AI, those same tests might miss subtle risks.
—
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Although both eating patterns share similar health benefits, subtle differences exist that may influence which diet is best for you.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Participants can learn how our brains distinguish fact from fiction, how our brains make decisions and the subtle tactics that advertisers, marketers and con men can use, according to a press release about the event.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Although both eating patterns share similar health benefits, subtle differences exist that may influence which diet is best for you.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Participants can learn how our brains distinguish fact from fiction, how our brains make decisions and the subtle tactics that advertisers, marketers and con men can use, according to a press release about the event.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
2 July 2025
-
As for steps that could be taken in the nineteenth century, Lyell managed to invent a cunning way to determine the relative age of geological strata.—
Lewis Hyde,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
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The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.—
Michael T. Luongo
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
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Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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July 6, 2025: Rodman watching Shelton’s match at Wimbledon is so cute the ESPN announcer literally giggles trying to talk about them.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
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Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
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For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
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The dress has elegant puff sleeves, romantic florals, and a square-neck that keeps you covered.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The treatment increases pavement friction, particularly when wet weather makes roadways slick, and helps to protect concrete surfaces.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
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And, travelers attest to their support and durability even on slick, rocky trails.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
People in their finest gathered under those lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
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All was fine until her grandmother brought home an orange cat.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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