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
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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
There have been subtle hints of Bayley turning on Valkyria to further their feud for the Intercontinental title.
—
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
The lightweight formula keeps brow hairs in place while adding a subtle sheen for a polished, healthy-looking finish.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
But there’s a subtle difference between the two styles, according to Larry Schooler, PhD, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Some also feature subtle critiques of U.S. tariff policy and accuse American retailers of excessive markups.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
The lightweight formula keeps brow hairs in place while adding a subtle sheen for a polished, healthy-looking finish.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
But there’s a subtle difference between the two styles, according to Larry Schooler, PhD, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Some also feature subtle critiques of U.S. tariff policy and accuse American retailers of excessive markups.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Esme forgoes a generic entreaty at the feet of her girlboss and instead makes a cunning personal plea for better judgment from her mentor.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
25 Apr. 2025
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John Krasinski plays Luke, a cunning art thief in the action adventure thriller Fountain of Youth, and puts his skills to good use.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And the honeycomb design isn’t just nice on the eyes.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This small deciduous tree's exquisite blossoms show up before the leaves each year.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
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Bryson DeChambeau DeChambeau does little wrong, and he’s been exquisite in every facet this week.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Save on breezy skirts, cute jeans, and stretchy yoga pants that are ideal for travel.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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More: Are cute children's books teaching kids about gender and sexuality?—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.—
David Foxley,
Architectural Digest,
21 Apr. 2025
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Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
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Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Travel impacts are likely where snowfall and gusty winds combine to reduce visibility and create slick road conditions, especially in mountainous terrain.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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While ichthyosaurs slid through the water with slick skin, other marine reptiles evolved streamlined scales.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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What an amazing display of Mother Nature at her finest.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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