1
as in shrewd
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 delicate
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 comedy here is more subtle, and the tone more lushly romantic and human.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Now under $100, these square-toe flats channel minimalist charm, featuring a leather upper and a dainty bow at the front for a subtle touch without overwhelming.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, said Macron's remark might also be a subtle jab at Russia, which has replaced France as the main security partner in some West African countries.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
The line between them is subtler than expected.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Now under $100, these square-toe flats channel minimalist charm, featuring a leather upper and a dainty bow at the front for a subtle touch without overwhelming.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, said Macron's remark might also be a subtle jab at Russia, which has replaced France as the main security partner in some West African countries.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
The line between them is subtler than expected.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Greg, a billionaire and a large shareholder of BRK, has proven to be a shrewd operator of BRK’s energy business.—
Vitaliy Katsenelson,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
-
After more than 50 years in the industry, however, Deborah is a shrewd businesswoman.—
Caroline Framke,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Weightless drama brings sheer layers and kinetic textures to the forefront with drama by utilizing delicate trims and soft frill details.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
-
Nothing, though, is more delicate and dangerous than switching goalies.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rubin, with the exquisite detail of its images, is well placed to find these types of events, in which stars disappear in explosions that can be too faint for other surveys to see.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
15 May 2026
-
New York City is home to more than its fair share of tea rooms ranging from exquisite venues to quaint, intimate settings.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Dano’s static line delivery gets used for a chilling but laconic effect as his character’s cunning political negotiations lead to deadly outcomes.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
-
There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Special props to the jolly axe-throwing head of adventure, Nye Rees; personable Brasserie maitre d’, Javier Padron; and trainer Peter Sullivan, who explained the finer points of fasting for women whilst crucifying my glutes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 May 2026
-
Lewis’s account of Southern cooking established what are now basic premises of American fine dining.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Adjective
-
The bottoms don’t just feel more elegant, but are a quick way to make outfits appear upscale whether they’re styled with a T-shirt and sneakers or a button-up shirt and ballet flats.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
The palate is velvety and elegant, balancing weight with restraint.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Gary, meanwhile, is a creature of the city in slick suits and a Mercedes, a divorced former cop who now leverages his old connections for vague, lucrative work that may not ever cross over into the explicitly illicit, but that definitely involves shades of gray.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
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Underfoot, the grippy Vibram outsole delivers reliable traction on everything from loose gravel to slick roots.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Our food director Chris Morocco is spectacular at this exact category.—
Emma Laperruque,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 May 2026
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However, the exact price can also depend on your age, location, and the length of your loan.—
Liz Knueven,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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