1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Hudson: Hudson is a subtle nod to water—the Hudson River, to be exact—but is also timeless and cool.
—
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
O’Brien has strung Mary’s seemingly chaotic memories along a subtle path.
—Jane Alison
june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
Scents of tropical flowers, pomelo, bergamot, citrus zest, and hints of lychee complement tasting notes of fresh pineapple, white flower, and subtle basil and lemongrass.
—AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Your new album, Faith, is a lot subtler than your debut, Signs.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Kara Nesvig, Parents, 17 June 2025
O’Brien has strung Mary’s seemingly chaotic memories along a subtle path.
—Jane Alison
june 17, Literary Hub, 17 June 2025
Scents of tropical flowers, pomelo, bergamot, citrus zest, and hints of lychee complement tasting notes of fresh pineapple, white flower, and subtle basil and lemongrass.
—AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Your new album, Faith, is a lot subtler than your debut, Signs.
—Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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With wit and cunning, the protagonists navigate the ever-present systems of oppression that encircle them and their relationships.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
-
President Trump does not exhibit Bismarck’s cunning, inscrutability, or proclivity for complicated diplomacy.—
Charles C. W. Cooke,
National Review,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Nevertheless, nice to get an explanation for why Vondrousova has been invisible.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
21 June 2025
-
The music is a successful part of the show, so artists want to be a part of it, which is nice.—
Clarissa Brooks,
Rolling Stone,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.—
Lisa Wong Macabasco,
Vogue,
20 June 2025
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This corner of the hotel transported me to an exquisite European hotel; the display bottles were Chinotto, Bitter Bianco, Sicilian Amara, and other spirits.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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Amazon is stocked with tons of cute coin purses that capture the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese street style.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 June 2025
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Pair this long-line padded sports bra crop tank with a pair of leggings for a cute athletic look.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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If regular Jenga is like performing delicate surgery, this extra large version from a different company is like performing a dangerous game of minesweeper.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
21 June 2025
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Birthday party etiquette can be a delicate balance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
21 June 2025
Adjective
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Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
18 June 2025
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House hunters are even willing to pay up to about $1,600 more for a kitchen with cabinets in the elegant green tone, according to Zillow's analysis.—
Anne Marie D. Lee,
CBS News,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Watch out for slippery roads: The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
10 June 2025
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Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
9 June 2025
Adjective
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Lanee Lee,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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All accommodations come with thoughtful touches like elevated mini-bar fare, Bellino fine linens, and plush, jewel-toned furniture.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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