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
The lipstick delivers a velvety matte finish, while the liner adds warmth and subtle definition.
—
Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The extra layer adds subtle dimension while delivering a dose of chic coverage.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear in color and bottled between 70 to 120 proof, its high alcohol content brings out subtle floral flavors and delicate fruit notes from its base material.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Her Maj takes it in her stride, which is a subtle signal for the audience to just go along with it.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
The extra layer adds subtle dimension while delivering a dose of chic coverage.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026
Clear in color and bottled between 70 to 120 proof, its high alcohol content brings out subtle floral flavors and delicate fruit notes from its base material.
—Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
Her Maj takes it in her stride, which is a subtle signal for the audience to just go along with it.
—Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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His initial rise to fame came from playing cunning and ruthless centuries-old vampire Eric Northman on True Blood.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Jan. 2026
-
They’re built up to be these impossibly deadly and evil and cunning foes, and then our much less impressive heroes manage to take them down through grit and determination or just dumb luck.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
And this is in a nice, pretty on-campus facility, not the old, dumpy Astrodome (although the Astrodome is still up, which is another story).—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Jan. 2026
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Here’s how to stay safe The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderland—from the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Beckman took the lead in the fourth behind the exquisite play of Qusai Azem, who scored 22 of his game-high 26 in the second half and 13 in the fourth.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
27 Jan. 2026
-
With exquisite costume and set design, and detailed and discerning creative direction, Black Panther beautifully depicts Black royalty, which is not often highlighted in film and television.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Matching lounge sets meet all the criteria of a great one-and-done airport outfit — they’re made from soft material, don’t require outfit planning, and actually look cute.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
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Each heart has a little black outline of a heart inside of it, creating cute sketched vibes.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Musk and SpaceX have sought to steer a delicate course in the war.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Jan. 2026
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Robbie’s delicate glam was the work of Pati Dubroff.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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When paired with the right boots, leggings can even rise to the level of elegant occasion wear.—
Amber Rambharose,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
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According to interior designers, these four countertop colors are their go-tos for creating modern yet classic spaces that feel elegant and livable.—
Cori Sears,
The Spruce,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Reviewers say the boots have a great grip, even on slick sidewalks, and love that the higher shaft helps block out splashes and snowbanks.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
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In this era of aridly slick technofuturist aesthetics, objects and images revealing their sutures and seams appear to be utterly alive.—
Theo Belci,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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That said, plain panko works fine—you’ll just need to combine it with a bit of salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder before breading the chicken.—
Heather Riske,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 Feb. 2026
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Talk about Front Range multi-tasking at its finest.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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