subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtle (audio)
Definition of subtlenext
1
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
2
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
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

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 From there, nutty chestnut, rich cocoa, and tart black currant add contrasting moody elements, while rose and bergamot add a sense of subtle freshness and flowering. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026 Instead of stark contrasts, the effect was created through subtle shades within a single color family. — Miriam Nehring, Glamour, 7 Aug. 2026 The decorative elements that adorn the bar on Tuesdays seem subtle in the vast space. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 In practice, these differences are subtle — this is a nationwide event that requires no travel. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
  1. cunning
  2. delicate
  3. exquisite
  4. slick
  5. fine
  6. elegant
  7. deceptive
  8. exact
Adjective
  • With the correct number of dots, no arrangement, however cunning, can dodge these shapes forever.
    — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The simplest way to protect them from being ripped off by a cunning adversary is to get the customer in a queue and serve them your special magic on your terms.
    — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • There's a balance between delicate satin, feminine lace and midweight cashmere, thoughtfully combined for interest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Bitingly funny in its comedy and wistful in its drama, the film rests on the delicate performance of newcomer Verma, a diminutive, age-appropriate actor who molds Ilyas in captivating ways.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • The exquisite scenery is also one of the show’s biggest pulls.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • At the San Sebastian property, the excellent restaurants, exquisite interior design, and passion for detail—all hallmarks of the brand—blend in like never before with a maritime landscape that hypnotizes its guests at any time of day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • That cushion grew in the 37th minute when Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya, who plays for Angel City FC in the NWSL, doubled their lead with a slick finish off a cross.
    — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The reaction strips off the stubborn chlorine atoms and clips the massive polymer chains into smaller, slicker segments.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • The five-time Pro Bowler had one of his finest statistical seasons last year, allowing only 15 pressures on 491 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • It’s made of premium—think fine-gauge fibers that don’t itch—merino wool, a naturally thermoregulating material.
    — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Its interior design matches the vibe, with elegant period-style design complemented by touches of country life—riding boots placed beside a cast-iron fireguard inside, terracotta pots next to Victorian wrought-iron chairs on the outdoor patio.
    — Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Follow what feels elegant, interesting, and horizon-widening.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The county attorney presented a plan to sue several big pharma companies for the deceptive marketing practices that triggered the opioid epidemic, following the pattern established by lawsuits filed against tobacco companies starting in the 1990s.
    — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Outside companies can test systems for cybersecurity risks, deceptive behavior, privacy failures, bias and dangerous capabilities.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • The distance of the moon from the Earth and the exact shape of the moon —but also of the sun — are critical.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • State police did not release her exact injuries or provide an update on her condition.
    — Michael Guise, CBS News, 7 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of subtle for Spanish Speakers

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