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
Over time, though, the pressure begins to surface in subtle ways.
—
Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Bulgur is made from whole wheat kernels that have been steamed, dried and then crushed, giving it a tender texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
—Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
When Manny Fernandez passed away quietly at age 79 this week at his home in a small Georgia town called Ellaville, a subtle-yet-seismic shift occurred — mostly symbolic, but still sadly notable.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Bronwen Sciortino, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Bulgur is made from whole wheat kernels that have been steamed, dried and then crushed, giving it a tender texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
—Linda Gassenheimer, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026
There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
When Manny Fernandez passed away quietly at age 79 this week at his home in a small Georgia town called Ellaville, a subtle-yet-seismic shift occurred — mostly symbolic, but still sadly notable.
—Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Prove his nous in the transfer market Based on Nuno’s first window, Axel Disasi, 28, the loanee from Chelsea and Taty Castellanos, 27, the €29m arrival from Lazio, were shrewd signings.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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The team's 11 straight playoff wins follow years of deliberate, shrewd team-building that strayed from the high-risk, instant gratification personnel moves that marked much of the Dolan era.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Soursop is a delicate fruit, so it should be handled with care.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
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Old Grand‑Dad 114 and Redemption push hard into spice, while Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch show how yeast and blending can turn the same basic ingredients into something perfumed and almost delicate.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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Passalacqua is almost too exquisite not to be able to be present for every moment of it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The hotel has a sister property, Miramare Suites, on Sestri’s other bay, Baia della Favole, with a popular restaurant, La Locanda Carmagnini, to complement the Miramare’s Baia del Silenzio, known for its seafood and exquisite on-the-water location.—
Catherine Sabino,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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What could be more cunning and disgusting than training dogs to commit anal rape?—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
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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
Adjective
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In a game worthy of the finest chess matches, Patrick Henry High School coach Sheldon Watkins and Ramon Orozco of Eastlake traded moves for seven innings — bunting, stealing and walking hitters intentionally.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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There’s a fine blue line between stupid and clever.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Michter’s has spent years proving that rye can also be elegant, balanced, and surprisingly approachable, and its latest 10 Year Rye release continues that mission.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
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In Palm Beach, Florida, Jelly Roll performs at his Little ASS Shed Tour, while in Los Angeles, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner look elegant as ever in black and white outfits.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
30 May 2026
Adjective
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Junior Brooke Neale applied a slick tag.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
31 May 2026
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But homes are personal spaces, and consumers will need more than a shiny robot and a slick app.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Many women are simultaneously navigating chronic stress, poor sleep, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressure, nonstop digital stimulation, and relentless productivity expectations during the exact years hormonal shifts begin intensifying.—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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That, however, doesn’t capture the exact torque, force and grip required for a robot hand to work flawlessly.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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