subtleness

noun

as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means the subtleness with which the boutique owner convinces you that you have to have that outrageously priced article of clothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 subtleness The real surprise comes from the subtleness of the rose. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtleness
  1. cunning
  2. subtlety
  3. artfulness
  4. slyness
Noun
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • The Odysseus of legend is known for his cunning and his eloquence.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • The subtlety and strength on show in those few seconds should not be taken for granted.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This subtlety may have legal relevance for grantees planning to sue the administration, said Lauren Adams, a spokesperson for AcademyHealth.
    — Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of subtlety
Noun
  • All of this shone vividly through his work, which shared his joy, artfulness and deep feeling, and most of all privileged human experience and social interaction.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of artfulness
Noun
  • The harp is not an instrument of slyness, wryness, or the earth.
    — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Like the tricksters of myth, there’s depth to their slyness.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of slyness

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Cite this Entry

“Subtleness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtleness. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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