1
as in cunning
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
The body schema process The project delved into whether the subtle, unconscious mechanisms that govern human-to-human interactions also emerge when a person interacts with a robot.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Her makeup in the heyday of her modeling career was on par with ’90s trends, consisting of skinny, arched eyebrows, subtle eye shadow and lots of bold lip shades.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
There is nothing subtle about eclipse season.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
What's more, its legacy has been embraced in a surprising (and somewhat subtle) way.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
Her makeup in the heyday of her modeling career was on par with ’90s trends, consisting of skinny, arched eyebrows, subtle eye shadow and lots of bold lip shades.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
There is nothing subtle about eclipse season.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
What's more, its legacy has been embraced in a surprising (and somewhat subtle) way.
—Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
On this occasion, Fernandez’s cross flies over Cucurella and straight into the thick of the action, where Joao Pedro’s cunning movement creates space to get his header away.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Bening will costar on the series as Beulah Jackson, who's described as the powerful, cunning, and charming head of a major ranch in Texas.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Giving Wickham a nice holiday tan would be a bridge too far for the genteel world of Jane Austen.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Some decisions are prudent, such as the Las Vegas Raiders to defeat the New England Patriots at a nice underdog price.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Pieces includes such exquisite gemstones as a 79 carat aquamarine, pink sapphires, tsavorites, cabochon rubellites and diamonds.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The rapper donned an exquisite gown by Gianni Versace sourced from Timeless Vixen, based in Beverly Hills, California.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The buzzy long-sleeve shirt has a cute ribbed design, and it’s made of soft, stretchy fabric that doesn’t feel overly restrictive.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
-
This cute camisole is perfect for lounging around or pairing with your favorite sweatpants or leggings.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
At breakfast, expect Okinawan-style waffles with sweet red beans, Vietnamese pho, and delicate local tofu.—
Kaila Yu,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The rising sun turned the snow a delicate pink, and beads of frost glittered like diamonds on the trees.—
Jack Atcheson Sr. as told to Michael Hanback,
Outdoor Life,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Rows and rows of spacious houses with yards, everything new, tidy as can be imagined, with elegant transportation to and from the workplace right there—all for working people.—
Brian Domitrovic,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Posing next to Colman Domingo and Salma Hayek Pinault (who wore an elegant black Balenciaga suit dress), Moore’s glitzy look shone.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Jason Ardizzone-West’s set is a predictable slick white box, its blank surfaces submissive to the constant barrage of Brad Peterson’s video projections.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Having his slick-fielding pal Ha-Seong Kim as a teammate again seemed to bring out the best in Jurickson Profar in their first game together with the Atlanta Braves.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The sharp-yet-flexible points and buildable tint leave behind a trio of micro-fine strokes that, when brushed along your arches, blend seamlessly with your natural hairs.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Before all that happened, though, there was the eight-course dinner, which went totally fine as predicted.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share