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
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Recent Examples of subtlety
Makeup artists Zak Taylor and Alexa Hernandez say burgundy mascara offers the perfect middle ground between statement and subtlety, ideal for those looking to experiment with color.
—
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 29 May 2025
Start free trial How a Kentucky Man Trapped in a Cave Became a Broadway Musical
Pushing Sisyphean Beach Balls and Honoring Obstacles
Unfortunately, the writing and direction do not match Hill’s subtlety.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 21 May 2025
All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Those videos were nightmare fuel, featuring shape-shifting inhumans who simply could not mimic the subtleties of eating pasta.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 29 May 2025
Start free trial How a Kentucky Man Trapped in a Cave Became a Broadway Musical
Pushing Sisyphean Beach Balls and Honoring Obstacles
Unfortunately, the writing and direction do not match Hill’s subtlety.
—Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 21 May 2025
All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Those videos were nightmare fuel, featuring shape-shifting inhumans who simply could not mimic the subtleties of eating pasta.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety
cunning
Noun
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On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 May 2025
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But Waltz also advocated for further diplomatically isolating President Vladimir Putin — a position that was out of step with Trump, who has viewed the Russian leader, at moments, with admiration for his cunning in dealings with Trump’s predecessors.—
Matthew Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtlety. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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