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
And with this change, roles are shifting in ways that are both subtle and significant.
—
Kathleen Walch, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Don't arrive late to a reservation, leave food uneaten, or wear strong scents, especially to kaiseki or sushi, where the chef will be highly protective of the subtle flavors.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Climate change continues to have a profound impact on the Great Lakes region, bringing more extreme weather, declining fish populations, and subtle but profound economic transformation.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Interplay of rough and polished diamonds continued, with a wide range of hues from white to subtle greens and browns, and the use of materials such as natural jet and grand-feu enamel.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Kathleen Walch, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
Don't arrive late to a reservation, leave food uneaten, or wear strong scents, especially to kaiseki or sushi, where the chef will be highly protective of the subtle flavors.
—Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2025
Climate change continues to have a profound impact on the Great Lakes region, bringing more extreme weather, declining fish populations, and subtle but profound economic transformation.
—Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Interplay of rough and polished diamonds continued, with a wide range of hues from white to subtle greens and browns, and the use of materials such as natural jet and grand-feu enamel.
—Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Köhler specializes in cunning, tonally surprising films about cross-cultural disconnection, and Gavagai is his most ambitious and expansive film yet—a pinpoint-accurate account of moral crises and social biases, modern and ancient, internal and external.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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But as the supervisors tweaked the incentives, a new form of cunning arose.—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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British puppeteer Rod Hull arrives on set with his ersatz bird that promptly snaps at Carson while playing nice with Richard Pryor on the Tonight Show couch.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
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Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Very concentrated fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, exquisite finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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More recently, in the cover story of last year’s March/April issue, Beyoncé wore an exquisite metal and floral bustier by Olivier Rousteing.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The trailers for the episode dropped not only the announcement of Swift's latest album, but also a cute moment between the celeb couple.—
Joyce Orlando,
Nashville Tennessean,
12 Aug. 2025
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The brand also offers the pillow in a smaller base model and several cute kids’ pillows that double as plushies.—
Clint Davis,
People.com,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Another layer of pastry sits atop the mixture and is covered in crystal sugar, which adds a nice sweetness to contrast the tart filling, as well as a delicate crunch in each bite.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Exercising sound discretion while remaining faithful to the grantor’s wishes is a delicate balancing act that requires insight and judgment.—
Royce Ramey,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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It's also adorned with vibrant wallpaper, colorful tiles and an elegant grand staircase.—
Natalia Senanayake,
People.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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These days, the best Korean moisturizers prove that there’s ample innovation in K-beauty well beyond its elegant and highly effective sun filters.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The pool snakes for about a quarter-mile and is cushioned by mangroves that provide ample space for the slick animal to hide.—
Jack Prator,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 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.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Diggers passed out thousands of hits of Owsley Stanley’s finest and served turkey sandwiches, which Stanley had also contributed.—
Dennis McNally,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
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Forbes second-annual list of America’s Top Lawyers—a recognition designed to spotlight the nation’s finest attorneys in private practice—is set to debut in the coming months.—
Liane Jackson,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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