1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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
First, the tea set is rinsed and preheated with hot water, then the leaves are placed in the tea pot or steeping vessel for a short period of time—just until the subtle flavors of the tea bloom—before the brew is decanted into a pitcher.
—
Jasmine Ting, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Her first few episodes have been a masterclass in subtle class and wit.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025
The design duo and their team craft minimalist spaces with a bit of edge, incorporating beautiful textures, mixed metals, luxe textiles, subtle patterns, and modern furnishings.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Jasmine Ting, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Her first few episodes have been a masterclass in subtle class and wit.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 29 Apr. 2025
The design duo and their team craft minimalist spaces with a bit of edge, incorporating beautiful textures, mixed metals, luxe textiles, subtle patterns, and modern furnishings.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
Shannon Riley, founder and CEO of Building 180 – an art production and consulting agency that arranged the installation – told USA TODAY battery and funding reasons limit the subtle chest motions that mimic breathing to an hour a day, from 5-6 p.m.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
In real life, most would-be Proud Boys don’t have cunning, progressive housemates who will throw away their gun parts.—
Amy Weiss-Meyer,
The Atlantic,
8 May 2025
-
Premiering in January 2023, The Traitors has gone on to widespread acclaim, even winning Emmys for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program (Alan Cumming on cunning form).—
Griff Griffin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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There may be a nice bunch of grapes, a couple slices of melon, and a hunk of juicy homegrown tomato.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
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Elite firepower, stingy defense, and all-world goaltending to tie a nice bow on it.—
The Athletic NHL,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Rod is yet another exquisite entry on his résumé of ultraentitled, deeply insecure men.—
Sophie Brookover,
Vulture,
2 May 2025
-
On Mother’s Day, mom can enjoy limited-time menu items including an exquisite chuyu tataki to start, featuring sushi-grade tuna with a Quechua curry crust, paired with a fresh mango and avocado salad and drizzled with a coconut-aji vinaigrette ($34).—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2025
Adjective
-
Wine corks also make cute place card holders and wine glass charms.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
7 May 2025
-
At a press screening of the film in March, these cute, interstitial clips drew big laughs.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
7 May 2025
Adjective
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The scoop neckline and shoulders also featured some delicate gold hardware to keep things, relatively, safe.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
4 May 2025
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The necklace is made of high-quality sterling silver that is plated in a delicate rose rhodium.—
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,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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The food, elegant and plated with conviction, has shades of both French and Italian influences, and the wine list is among the best in the Queen City.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
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Some people prefer more minimal styles and want a midi dress that’s simple and elegant and easy to accessorize.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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In that world, the spoils won’t go to whoever mints the slickest dollar clone, but to whoever owns the outlets— the wallets, apps, and merchant relationships—through which those dollars ultimately flow.—
Christian Catalini,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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However, experts warn that the light continuously remaining on could indicate that stability and control could be compromised—notably on slick or slippery roads and during certain conditions.—
Mohammed Soliman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Shortly after a fine break, Journalism had gotten forced toward the rail in the classic Derby crush but was deftly piloted clear by jockey Umberto Rispoli.—
Guy Martin,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
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Some will talk to their chef and advise against me dining there, and that's fine.—
Miranda Mullings and Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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