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
Vasudevan explains that cats use their paws not just for hunting or defending, but also for play and subtle communication.
—
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Deja is the standout, delivering a subtle manic energy behind her solid vocals.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025
The upholstery is of nice quality, too—no snags or sagging, at least at this point—and there’s some subtle variation in the coloring that adds a bit of depth (my bed features the Stone fabric, but bouclé is also available).
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.
—Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Deja is the standout, delivering a subtle manic energy behind her solid vocals.
—Barry Levitt, Vulture, 12 May 2025
The upholstery is of nice quality, too—no snags or sagging, at least at this point—and there’s some subtle variation in the coloring that adds a bit of depth (my bed features the Stone fabric, but bouclé is also available).
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2025
Our physical body is the antenna for all of these sensations; a relaxed, thawed body can pick up more subtle signals.
—Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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In real life, most would-be Proud Boys don’t have cunning, progressive housemates who will throw away their gun parts.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
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Premiering in January 2023, The Traitors has gone on to widespread acclaim, even winning Emmys for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program (Alan Cumming on cunning form).—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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While the formula played nice with the sensitive skin on our tester’s hairline, its toning effects only lasted a few days.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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But anyone hoping to hit the open road needs to know one thing: some drivers just aren't very nice, especially in certain states.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The play’s cast is excellent, particularly the exquisite, charismatic and very funny Mahira Kakkar as Ananya.—
Pamela Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 May 2025
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The tea rose first became available for purchase in 2025, and it’s been hard for gardeners to get their hands on; this exquisite bloom remains in high demand.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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Leather Small Crossbody Bag Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer just wore cute and functional outfits that reminded us how convenient crossbody bags are.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
7 May 2025
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At a press screening of the film in March, these cute, interstitial clips drew big laughs.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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Wirtz is focused more on the micro, with delicate touches and deft flicks, compared to Szoboszlai’s macro traits of energy and power.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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The walls of the rectum (the inside of your butt) are delicate.—
Alexander Cheves,
Them.,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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To bring back that upscale aesthetic, the Casino Royal will have a dress code that requires jackets for men and elegant dress for women.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
13 May 2025
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For the last decade, the supermodel has served up some of the most glamorous looks, typically topped off with her long, dark hair in an elegant updo.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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Allen cited a particularly slick double play Albies turned recently.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
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Wooden tools may periodically need to be treated with beeswax to keep them smooth and slick.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2025
Adjective
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There have been constant rumors the attacker has been close to signing a new contract at San Siro, but a deal has not yet been agreed and there may well be Champions League clubs interested in him this summer after his fine personal form during the team’s otherwise tumultuous campaign.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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But, with the team’s MLB-best 29-15 record affording them just a one-game division lead so far this year, it’s already become clear that fine margins could matter this season.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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