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
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Recent Examples of subtle
Each necklace has a little pavé jump ring that attaches it to the chain and gives it a subtle sparkle.
—
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The cookbook features 85 from-scratch recipes, drawing subtle influence from her multicultural upbringing.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Judgment on the other hand is more about taste, professional intuition, and subtle but often critical qualitative distinctions that often require both talent and experience.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
The difference is subtle, but real.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The cookbook features 85 from-scratch recipes, drawing subtle influence from her multicultural upbringing.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
Judgment on the other hand is more about taste, professional intuition, and subtle but often critical qualitative distinctions that often require both talent and experience.
—Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
The difference is subtle, but real.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
As Michael moves into solo stardom and makes cunning business moves, the film captures how his seemingly naive idealism was also a form of ambition.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
So borrowing those things on Buy Nothing is really nice.—
Dania Maxwell,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Both Guerrero and Offerman were full of nice things to say about Kidman, who had just one day to shoot her wrestling scene and the previous day to rehearse it, for which Guerrero flew to Nashville to train with Kidman in a boxing gym alongside her stunt double, former wrestler Danielle Moinet.—
Scarlett Harris,
IndieWire,
22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Dining here feels Michelin star in every aspect, from the exquisite setting, polished service, and superb cuisine showcasing luxury ingredients in sophisticated, labor-intensive preparations.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Patagonian Scallops Tiny baby button scallops, so cute.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Someone says the rats are actually cute — what’s your honest response?—
Zach Schiffman,
Curbed,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Here, chef Ishan interprets familiar flavours afresh, turning guavas into a delicate cheesecake, jackfruit into nihari, and charred melon into carpaccio.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The famous lookalike style is known for its two-tone cap-toe and delicate bow accent, and this Quince version features the same details.—
Tanya Sharma,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
This reversible option is no exception, with its appealing yellow color and elegant floral pattern.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
-
With refined decor and an intimate residential ambience, guests will feel like locals checking into an elegant Manhattan townhouse—without sacrificing the white-glove service and amenities of a five-star hotel, of course.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Brenden Aaronson could not finish a slick Leeds counter, denied by the outstretched boot of Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Pretty slick defensive play by the 2025 AL Platinum Glove recipient.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
These are the finest margins that tight matches like these can be decided on.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
On Friday night, Richardson put together his finest effort of the season, reaching 49 feet, 7 inches on his final hop, step and jump at the Escondido Invitational — traditionally the final invitational of the season.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
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