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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Featuring a high-rise fit for that retro, live-in feel, choose your custom stretch level, from subtle to classic and even super stretch, depending on your personal preference.
—
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
But after a while, her followers began detecting subtle changes in her behavior.
—Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
This set includes four, 32-ounce glass Mason jars in a stunning rose color, complete with a subtle hammered texture.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
The new species was identified by its coloring, scale pattern, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2025
But after a while, her followers began detecting subtle changes in her behavior.
—Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
This set includes four, 32-ounce glass Mason jars in a stunning rose color, complete with a subtle hammered texture.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
The new species was identified by its coloring, scale pattern, body proportions and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
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Joan Silber is a contemporary genius at creating artful stories of a multitude of characters who ricochet in cunning ways, crossing generations and continents.—
Jane Ciabattari
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Cutely line them up along the mantel with candles or lanterns, or add them to a nice tray with a few jack-o’-lanterns.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
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The beef is tender, and the broth has that nice aromatic spice that is immediately soothing and associated with a classic beef noodle soup.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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When China was faced with bailing out Havana, the Chinese balked, citing in an exquisite piece of historical irony Cuba’s lack of market reforms.—
Wesley Alexander Hill,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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With many different exquisite cosmology data sets, from the cosmic microwave background to the large-scale structure of the Universe to ultra-distant supernovae, the Universe doesn’t quite add up.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ofeefan Long-Sleeve A-Line Ribbed-Knit Mini Dress This mini sweater dress would look cute with a cropped leather jacket and coordinating knee-high boots.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Ouligay Period Bag My teen and her friends always make sure to keep their period stashes organized in one cute pouch like this black one.—
Jacquelyn Smith,
Parents,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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How To Harvest Dill Flowers Dill blossoms deliver strong dill flavor in a delicate, pretty package.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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Liu’s work often merges corsetry, delicate smocking, and floral motifs with a romantic yet subversive edge.—
Essence,
Essence,
4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts For an elegant dessert option, the $4 Deutsche Küche Apple Frangipane Tarts bring a European flair to the table.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Sep. 2025
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Here, the atmosphere is upscale and elegant; perhaps one of the nicest Chinese dining rooms in Charlotte, despite the staff still trying to get a handle on hostess, service and wait time logistics.—
Shindy Chen,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a lot to like about the design—relatively slim, slick front- and back-end chassis lighting, a comfortable keyboard, and a nice display—and the performance is plenty capable.—
Matthew Buzzi,
PC Magazine,
3 Sep. 2025
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And more often than not, the real experience at home failed to live up to the slick illustrations promised on the sticker of a Sega Genesis cartridge.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This allows for finer incisions, which can mean faster healing and denser graft placement.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
27 Aug. 2025
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Then the bounce of the match locked back into 50-50 mode, and those fine margins don’t fall in favor of Medvedev this year when things get tight.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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