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
A lot of that is through that subtle and quiet support.
—
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The buildings read as a unified set but with enough distinction that each feels like its own address, a subtle but important quality for multigenerational living.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
But that subtle print just adds a little extra something and is a great way to ease into full monochrome.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Complicating matters is that mild hyperopia can be subtle, especially in younger people.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026
The buildings read as a unified set but with enough distinction that each feels like its own address, a subtle but important quality for multigenerational living.
—David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 Feb. 2026
But that subtle print just adds a little extra something and is a great way to ease into full monochrome.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026
Complicating matters is that mild hyperopia can be subtle, especially in younger people.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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While people born in the year of the snake are seen as charismatic, intelligent, and artistic, they are also often considered cunning and mysterious.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
And Halston has a cunning plan.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Having a set time to do individual work has been nice.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
19 Feb. 2026
-
While more attacking and midfield options are always nice, Orlando’s real problem lies in replacing key defenders who departed in the offseason.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
How inspiring for our young learners to see, in looking at Joe McKendry’s exquisite tableau, faces that reflect their own.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Barbados The easternmost Caribbean island, Barbados boasts more than 80 white-sand beaches (plus the exquisite pink-sand Crane Beach).—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Score top wardrobe picks like an everyday V-neck tee ($9), memory foam fuzzy slippers ($6), and an effortlessly cute workout skirt ($8).—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Yes, that innocent activity at which your grandparents might’ve met cute – square dancing – is having a moment here in the Bay Area.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Each of the time zones Pascal Soriot operates in has offered vivid reminders of the delicate balancing act global business leaders must perform as the world economy transforms around them.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Obama wore her delicate braids in a high ponytail, showcasing a pair of large diamond studs, while her makeup consisted of a smoky eye, pops of coral blush, and a glossy lip.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Come evening, the space becomes an elegant bar, pouring a shortlist of signature cocktails inspired by the neighborhood.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
-
On the contrary, a living room is a formal room, classically appointed with elegant furnishings—and there’s rarely a television in sight.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
This showpiece for Swire Hotels’ House Collective (also in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu) is as slick and sophisticated as ever—an original design hotel that’s true to its label.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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The American hockey player Megan Keller’s slick move to pull the puck past a Canadian defender and score in overtime during the gold-medal game, adding another unbelievable moment to the two teams’ long and perfect rivalry.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Jolie Brasserie serves French cuisine using fine local ingredients (think Kyoto Nanatani duck confit to Kumamoto Akaushi steak frites) and is also the venue for breakfast each morning.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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If a healthy player sits, the millionaires are fine and the fans get screwed.—
Nick Canepa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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