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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
The new species was identified by its DNA, size, body proportions, texture, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Since President Donald Trump has taken office, the Republican Party’s assault on the Endangered Species Act hasn’t been subtle.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
When paired to a non-Huawei phone, audio quality still sounds good, but has a subtle loss of depth.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
The boxy shape and subtle back snaps add airflow and style, and the whole outfit can be rinsed in a hotel sink and re-worn with no stress.
—Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Since President Donald Trump has taken office, the Republican Party’s assault on the Endangered Species Act hasn’t been subtle.
—Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
When paired to a non-Huawei phone, audio quality still sounds good, but has a subtle loss of depth.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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With wit and cunning, the protagonists navigate the ever-present systems of oppression that encircle them and their relationships.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 June 2025
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President Trump does not exhibit Bismarck’s cunning, inscrutability, or proclivity for complicated diplomacy.—
Charles C. W. Cooke,
National Review,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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The answer is a cool $2.8 million, probably enough to buy a really nice apartment in Ghent near the River Scheldt.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
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All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.—
John Last,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Amazon is stocked with tons of cute coin purses that capture the kawaii aesthetic of Japanese street style.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
25 June 2025
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Pair this long-line padded sports bra crop tank with a pair of leggings for a cute athletic look.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Fata Morgana Scabiosa is often used in cottage and wildflower gardens because of its many delicate, circular flowers and long, spindly stems.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Beside skiing and yachting, tennis is one of its major concerns, and this season’s assortment includes the elegant Ellen blazer.—
Eric Twardzik,
Robb Report,
30 June 2025
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Auberge Tokito, which opened in April 2024, is an elegant Ryokan (Japanese-style restaurant with lodging facilities) in Tachikawa City on the outskirts of central Tokyo.—
Akiko Katayama,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Meanwhile, with its slick production values and big stars, Doctor Odyssey is expensive to produce.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
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The unapologetic embracing of social platforms and creators has also resulted in a record $8 Million raised from donors to help continue the slick social messaging push to November’s General Mayoral election.—
Jason Davis,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Yet there's also some darn fine journalism in writer/director James Gunn's film.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
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Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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