subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtle (audio)
Definition of subtlenext
1
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
2
as in shrewd
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means used subtle methods of persuasion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delicate
made or done with extreme care and accuracy the subtle strokes of the painter's brush

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subtle These Spanx Micro Flare Pants have a subtle bootcut design for an ultra-flattering, leg-lengthening look. — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026 The golden obsidian dial reveals subtle gold highlights, and no two are alike. — Carol Besler, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 In the book, titled Touch the Earth, Julian pays a subtle tribute to his rockstar father. — Emma Kershaw, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 In prison, which is a hyper-masculine space, there was this subtle thinking about masculinity. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
  1. exquisite
  2. cunning
  3. delicate
  4. elegant
  5. slick
  6. fine
  7. deceptive
  8. exact
Adjective
  • An outpost of the Milanese hotspot, the Italian eatery offers fine dining in exquisite surroundings.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In Barbara Forever, an exquisite new documentary by Brydie O’Connor, there’s even old, grainy footage of Hammer essentially saying as much before a screening of her films.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Supporters of the administration view this back and forth as a cunning ploy to buy time for the United States to position itself more advantageously for a confrontation.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Owen is bamboozled by a cunning opportunist, handcuffed, and robbed in his underwear.
    — Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • The only way to safely examine these delicate remains is through highly sensitive techniques like neutron imaging.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Although combining these delicate thin films usually causes damage and blocks light, special protection layers and modified electrodes overcome these assembly issues to maximize power output.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Shop more outlet deals below, including an elegant candleholder, a luxe ottoman, and slim patio sofa.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Queen size bed feels huge, there's plenty of light, sumptuous extra seating and an overall elegant Georgian style feel.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Although Craven’s touch is missing, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett honor his memory by mimicking his style while engraving their own slick mark.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In some memes in recent weeks, the photo has become so over-edited that the character's glistening face is slicker, darker and even more uncanny.
    — Owen Carry, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • Crafted from the finest, lightest tweed, the dress—chosen by stylist Ramona Tabita—features a sumptuous knotted structure that opens into a generous back neckline and culminates in a majestic train that skims the red carpet.
    — Giacomo Aricò, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2026
  • She’s played with a darkly enigmatic, unnerving quality by James in her finest work to date — a knowing, even domineering smile often curling around her lips.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The siblings are likely to dispute Jeanie’s characterization of their actions as deceptive and clandestine, perhaps by pointing to communications with their sister and her responses.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • The department has said about 20 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for actions at Wounded Knee, though the exact number is unclear due to incomplete or unclear records.
    — Meghan O'Brien, States Newsroom, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The piece gets into such details as what Vrabel and one of his assistants had for dinner the night before the game and that the two discussed the exact game scenario that led to the decision to go for two.
    — Mike Semel, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

subtitles
subtle
subtleness
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Cite this Entry

“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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