1
as in shrewd
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 delicate
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
The comedy here is more subtle, and the tone more lushly romantic and human.
—
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Now under $100, these square-toe flats channel minimalist charm, featuring a leather upper and a dainty bow at the front for a subtle touch without overwhelming.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, said Macron's remark might also be a subtle jab at Russia, which has replaced France as the main security partner in some West African countries.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
The line between them is subtler than expected.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Now under $100, these square-toe flats channel minimalist charm, featuring a leather upper and a dainty bow at the front for a subtle touch without overwhelming.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, said Macron's remark might also be a subtle jab at Russia, which has replaced France as the main security partner in some West African countries.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
The line between them is subtler than expected.
—James Horncastle, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Greg, a billionaire and a large shareholder of BRK, has proven to be a shrewd operator of BRK’s energy business.—
Vitaliy Katsenelson,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
-
After more than 50 years in the industry, however, Deborah is a shrewd businesswoman.—
Caroline Framke,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Weightless drama brings sheer layers and kinetic textures to the forefront with drama by utilizing delicate trims and soft frill details.—
Kanika Talwar,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
-
Nothing, though, is more delicate and dangerous than switching goalies.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
To be a Disney adult is to be an appreciator of exquisite design and a believer in storytelling.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
-
Tablecloths are black and lights ultra low, the better to show off the exquisite, almost otherworldly dishes.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
There’s arguably no one better placed to collaborate with VFX artists on a motion-capture performance than Serkis, who’s delivered innocence, cunning, cruelty, longing, and kindness in roles that run from Golum to Caesar to King Kong himself.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
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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
Adjective
-
Once, French cuisine had a lock on fine dining in this city.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Nick Blankenburg has been fine in the D-corps, but from a physicality standpoint, Josh Manson can’t get back quickly enough.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
10 May 2026
Adjective
-
The bottoms don’t just feel more elegant, but are a quick way to make outfits appear upscale whether they’re styled with a T-shirt and sneakers or a button-up shirt and ballet flats.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
-
The palate is velvety and elegant, balancing weight with restraint.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Barca supporters were already cheering each pass by the 20th minute, having gone 2-0 up through a brilliant Marcus Rashford free kick and a slick move finished off by Ferran Torres.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
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George, the birthday boy beside her, stuck to his own slick style, wearing a black polo top, off-white pants with a beige belt, and sand suede loafers.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
If Jennifer Lawrence inspired you to get your own Mary Jane sneakers, head to Salomon to score her exact pair.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
Kleinman said the exact number of copperheads in Connecticut is not known, as population counts are difficult to track, but that their population is declining due to habitat loss and development.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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