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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
One of my nerdiest hip-hop fan instincts is trying to catch the subtle ways production tricks and flows migrate from one city to the next, like an invasive species.
—
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Best polish This is a great polish for vintage car owners looking to restore the subtle metal detailing around their vehicle.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Reflective materials can help distribute light throughout a room and create subtle visual sparkle.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Soft brioche rolls create a buttery backdrop, while the fresh herbs add color and a subtle freshness around the edges.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026
Best polish This is a great polish for vintage car owners looking to restore the subtle metal detailing around their vehicle.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026
Reflective materials can help distribute light throughout a room and create subtle visual sparkle.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026
Soft brioche rolls create a buttery backdrop, while the fresh herbs add color and a subtle freshness around the edges.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
-
Under this light, Penelope emerges as exemplary, cunning, wounded, and trapped by the male order that praises her.—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
Adjective
-
This is a delicate and dicey subject to even bring up, since the industry right now is in the grip of multiple perceptions and anxieties about what AI portends for the future of entertainment.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 June 2026
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But as the djinn becomes embodied, the delicate balance between the real and the supernatural starts to falter.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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Some companies expected to attend — like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and L3Harris — produce parts for more exquisite munitions, like the Patriot interceptor missiles that can each cost $4 million to $5 million.—
Eleanor Watson,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
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The maison’s jewelry is displayed atop custom stone plinths, spotlighting the exquisite craftsmanship of each creation.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
22 June 2026
Adjective
-
Tolbert also made a slick play to end the game.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
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Much like his longstanding working relationships with BlocBoy JB and Sexyy Red, Tay Keith also had a similar footing with Drake, providing the soundscape for some of the 6 God’s slickest sneak disses.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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There is a real distinction between a city unified by five fine starting players in a game that originally involved throwing a ball into a peach basket and that, however improbably, became the city game, and the bloody display in the nation’s capital.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
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Los Angeles County health officer Muntu Davis said the main public health concern was smoke and fine particles that can cause temporary irritation of the ear, nose, throat and lungs, as well as exacerbate heart and lung conditions.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 June 2026
Adjective
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Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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These summer-flowering bulbs produce elegant, tall spikes of flowers that contrast well with the more traditional bloom shapes of dahlias.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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The suit alleges the group, known widely as WPATH, made deceptive claims about gender-affirming care for minors and that its members profited off the claims.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
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Grand Canyon’s rim-to-river routes can be deceptive because the steepest physical test comes on the way out, after hikers have descended into hotter terrain, experts say.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Police did not immediately have an exact count of how many officers were injured.—
Jenna DeAngelis,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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Treinen underwent imaging, but Roberts did not have his exact diagnosis.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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