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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in subtlety
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
The high-waisted bottoms offer just the right amount of coverage, while the subtle plunge top feels supportive without sacrificing style.
—Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
With its strapless neckline, subtle side slit, and body-hugging silhouette, it was made for sipping cocktails under palm trees in Miami or dancing the night away in Barcelona.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Adjective
The actress paired the dress, which featured a halter neckline, with a few rings on each hand, a statement bracelet and subtle dangle earrings, and wore her hair in a short bob.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Her footwear — pointed-toe suede stilettos — offered a matte counterweight to the dress’s high-shine finish, maintaining the overall monochrome palette while introducing a subtle shift in texture.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
The high-waisted bottoms offer just the right amount of coverage, while the subtle plunge top feels supportive without sacrificing style.
—Vanessa L. Powell, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
With its strapless neckline, subtle side slit, and body-hugging silhouette, it was made for sipping cocktails under palm trees in Miami or dancing the night away in Barcelona.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
McLaren’s Piastri began in pole position and initially held off Verstappen before the Dutchman displayed all the brilliance, cunning and bravery that has propelled him to four world championships, holding off the brakes as long as possible and sliding around the outside on the first turn.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
18 May 2025
-
Unfortunately, Porsha isn’t cunning enough for this to work.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.—
Lawrence Burney,
Pitchfork,
28 May 2025
-
Personally choosing to use less water is a nice start, but grander actions will be needed to effectively address the interrelated issues that drive the overuse of water.—
Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Cannes Film Festival is also where these categories flourish in visibility, especially the high jewelry, which has used the high-profile event to promote their exquisite and expensive creations on the Red Carpet.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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And Diane de Poitiers, reputed to be the most beautiful woman in 16th-century France, drank gold to preserve her exquisite looks, the Botox of the Renaissance.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
23 May 2025
-
Those videos were nightmare fuel, featuring shape-shifting inhumans who simply could not mimic the subtleties of eating pasta.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
-
In addition to pool and beach looks, these slides look cute with baggy jeans and graphic tank tops, flowy midi dresses, and two-piece linen sets.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.—
Seth Eli Barlow,
Arkansas Online,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Old Midleton Distillery, with its elegant stone facade, was originally a woolen mill in the late 18th century.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
-
Normant was responsible for Parker’s elegant half up, half down hairdo for the New York City Ballet’s 2023 Fall Gala.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
But even with slick hair and unpredictable speech patterns, Max Zorin is no match for James Bond.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
24 May 2025
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Early in the process, their characters find themselves being pursued through London at high speeds by cop cars, with Krasinski behind the wheel of a slick Shelby Cobra.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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