subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtle (audio)
Definition of subtlenext
1
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
2
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
3
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

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 Her velvet minidress and Jimmy Choo heels were, however, paired with a little backcombing of the hair, a subtle nod to her Nashville past. — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 That subtle contractual tweak rewires the financial incentives of commercial property. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 Fahy’s bob featured very subtle graduated feathering at the front, accentuating bright blonde face-framing money pieces and golden highlights as well as a deep brunette base at her roots. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 Oct. 2026 The subtle chess move could further stick in the craw of certain figures who expressed criticism and disappointment amid Kendrick’s performance two years prior. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
  1. exquisite
  2. cunning
  3. delicate
  4. elegant
  5. slick
  6. fine
  7. deceptive
  8. exact
Adjective
  • Maybe no scene better embodies Lee’s exquisite communion with his characters than his last one, which supplies them with a hint of grace.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • From the lobby to the guest rooms, there’s an exquisite attention to detail with fine finishes, appealing textures, and a color palette carefully chosen to evoke the refined spirit of Milan.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Sidibe gabbed gorgeously with Kimmel about American Horror Story, Halloween costumes, and raising mixed-gender twins (boys are less cunning and more Spider-Man oriented, apparently).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • As a young teenager, I was immediately captivated by his commanding presence and charisma portraying King Leodegrance of Cameliard — Queen Guinevere’s noble father and a cunning warrior.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • One example involves preparing jianbing, a traditional Chinese savory crepe, which requires a robot to coordinate several delicate movements.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Watch his hypnotic Instagram Reels, and you’ll be transfixed by his meticulous brushwork, application of delicate gold leaf, and detailed flourishes.
    — Emma Jacobson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • Naval engineers built elegant streets lined with glass balconies that became the envy of northwestern Spain, and more than a century later, Spain’s future dictator, Francisco Franco, the son of a naval officer, was born there.
    — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Lié Studio The Eva Weekend tote $870 This sleek bag is the leather tote at its most elegant—roomy enough to hold travel essentials and crafted in luxurious Portuguese leather.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Our conversation is also perfectly timed to Mohammed’s latest role in George Kay’s slick, sexy War, which landed a two-season order from Sky bosses.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026
  • According to Bell, the track's slick surface forces drivers to constantly adjust their racing lines as their tires wear down, creating opportunities for passing throughout a race.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • As a Relais & Chateaux property, fine dining takes center stage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The two designers have launched a collaboration featuring 18-karat yellow gold and diamond button studs and collar tips created for Savas’ signature Allen denim shirt, bringing together fine jewelry craftsmanship and American workwear.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • Supporters say licensing will give California the authority to act on any complaints, and to investigate and penalize companies for unfair or deceptive practices.
    — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Esparza pushed back against the claim that the group was being deceptive.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Everette has a knack for scoring important touchdowns, and when’s facing circumstances that qualify as either make or break, his exact mindset borders on being unstoppable.
    — Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Do not waste too much energy recreating the exact plan that just fell apart.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2026.

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