1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
And while some are overtly designed for traditional smoking purposes, more subtle iterations can double (and triple) as statement art pieces or decorative trays to hold loose change, keys, and jewelry.
—
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
Cessna said the 6,756-yard course continues to evolve in subtle ways, softening certain parts for higher-handicap golfers, while ratcheting up the challenges elsewhere.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
His studio team appreciates how subtle soft pink/white crystal lighting neutralizes the green of the glass.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Ray‑Ban Display adds a see‑through lens readout and relies on a neural wristband for subtle gesture control, marking Meta’s first consumer smart glasses with a built‑in display.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 19 Sep. 2025
Cessna said the 6,756-yard course continues to evolve in subtle ways, softening certain parts for higher-handicap golfers, while ratcheting up the challenges elsewhere.
—Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
His studio team appreciates how subtle soft pink/white crystal lighting neutralizes the green of the glass.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
The Ray‑Ban Display adds a see‑through lens readout and relies on a neural wristband for subtle gesture control, marking Meta’s first consumer smart glasses with a built‑in display.
—Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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However, her inner voice reveals a sardonic sense of humor, cunning intellect, and keen eye for details most people would miss… because Emily has a big secret.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Sep. 2025
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However, her inner voice reveals a sardonic sense of humor, cunning intellect, and keen eye for details most people would miss…because Emily has a big secret.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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With a turtleneck and jeans For an ensemble that’s nice (and warm) enough to wear in practically any situation, just add an eye-catching topper to your usual cold-weather combo.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
26 Sep. 2025
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Which would make a nice change of pace from the collective teeth-gnashing in FoCo lately.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In short, in both proclamations Lincoln was a consummate lawyer who paid exquisite attention to questions of constitutionality and scrupulously honored his oath of office to act under the Constitution, not over or outside it.—
Akhil Reed Amar,
Time,
22 Sep. 2025
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The family-friendly production boasts custom scenery, exquisite costumes.—
Marcia Luttrell,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Start with something easy, like a fridge magnet, tiny illustration, or cute DIY bookmark.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Sep. 2025
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In the song, JJ and his friends dress up in doctor, pirate, and more cute costumes.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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But their insect-like movements hint at a future where fleets of miniature robots could glide across water, performing tasks once too dangerous or delicate for humans.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Sep. 2025
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Silver’s delivery is, possibly, more delicate than mine will be.—
Sophie Ansari,
Vulture,
25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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In a dark wash The most elegant, most versatile, and easiest solution for how to style barrel jeans is simply buying a pair in a dark wash.—
Lucía Tejo,
Glamour,
20 Sep. 2025
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Named one of the best new hotels of 2024 by T+L editors in the annual It List, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic history with a replica of the Concorde on the ceiling of its elegant rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi.—
Nicole Trilivas,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That was all part of Horan’s slick pitch.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
23 Sep. 2025
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Otherwise, every surface is covered in slick plastic, pure white.—
Ellen Cushing,
The Atlantic,
22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Whatever comes down the line, The Who certainly made Sunday’s show count, delivering a 22-song set filled mostly with fan favorites and showcasing many of the reasons why the group was once widely considered to be the finest in all of rock.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
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Antonelli came home in fourth, with Lawson a fine fifth place and Tsunoda in sixth.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
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