1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
The new species was identified by its fin shape, scales, body proportions, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
The study is an intriguing approach to probing the subtle warping of the outer solar system, said Batygin, a professor of planetary science at Caltech who has written numerous studies on Planet Nine but did not participate in the Planet Y research.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
However, the late pop icon George Michael also makes a subtle appearance on the new album.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
The ball also features a subtle nod to the World Cup trophy, with gold embellishments detailed throughout.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
The study is an intriguing approach to probing the subtle warping of the outer solar system, said Batygin, a professor of planetary science at Caltech who has written numerous studies on Planet Nine but did not participate in the Planet Y research.
—Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
However, the late pop icon George Michael also makes a subtle appearance on the new album.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
The ball also features a subtle nod to the World Cup trophy, with gold embellishments detailed throughout.
—Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Maigret must outwit some of Paris’s most cunning and violent criminals, while dealing with his own troubled past.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Oct. 2025
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These subsidies were cunning, part of a decades-long effort to keep alive the myths that offshore wind energy is nearly self-sufficient and generates increasingly inexpensive electricity.—
Craig Rucker,
Boston Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Located in historic downtown Gainesville, the Victorian complex is a nice breather before and after the intensity of game day in Gainesville, and the drive to the stadium is less than 10 minutes.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
3 Oct. 2025
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Napheesa will probably sit this one out, but Bryce still has time to send his commish a nice greeting card.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This extraordinary collection of two volumes of poems and a third of prose shows the empathy, intuition, and exquisite use of the natural world that make Oliver the heiress of Emerson and Thoreau.—
AudioFile Magazine
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
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Want to explore the moon in exquisite detail?—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The brand’s Deep Trance Corduroy Pants are also a cute option to wear with some boots and a pea or trench coat this season.—
Shawna Hudson,
StyleCaster,
3 Oct. 2025
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Best Toy for Imaginative Play Plant the seeds of creative play with this trio of plush toy veggies that are too cute to eat.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This delicate stocking reminds us of the ones from our grandparents that were hand stitched with love every year.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
2 Oct. 2025
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As for glam and accessories, Jackson favored delicate rings, bracelet and dangle earrings in warm tones to augment her red dress.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Crafted in gold-toned bronze, its coloring is understated and elegant, allowing the designer to work with a more experimental shape.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
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The Clunie Dining Room For a more elegant affair, there’s The Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Johnson has always been a bit slick in the promotion of his brand; there’s something smarmy and politician-ish about his attempts to appeal to as broad an audience as possible.—
Richard Lawson,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
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Rosé’s distinctive voice lent a touch of vulnerability to the group’s slick choreography.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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On one hand, CJ McCollum is a perfectly fine starting point guard.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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He was sentenced to serve seven days in a DUI education center and ordered to pay a $350 fine and court fees.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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