Synonyms of subtlety

subtlety

noun

ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

as in cunning

skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means

we appreciated the subtlety with which our host indicated that it was time to leave: he volunteered to pack us a little lunch for the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cunning
• artfulness
• subtleness
• slyness
• guile
• deviousness
• slickness
• sneakiness
• canniness
• ease
• craft
• cunningness
• craftiness
• wiliness
• artifice
• calculation
• caginess
• inventiveness
• cleverness
• shrewdness
• finesse
• design
• foxiness
• care
• ingenuity
• guilefulness
• savvy
• sharpness
• ingeniousness
• duplicity
• facility
• shiftiness
• underhandedness
• deceitfulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subtlety

In a town where every detail is scrutinized, any rebellion requires subtlety. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026

The subtlety and strength on show in those few seconds should not be taken for granted. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

This subtlety may have legal relevance for grantees planning to sue the administration, said Lauren Adams, a spokesperson for AcademyHealth. — Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Our test car’s blue-and-silver two-tone finish was striking without becoming garish, though subtlety is always relative when the hood stretches this far and the grille resembles the entrance to a private bank. — Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026