Thesaurus results for 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

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of subtlety The astrologer adds that just like a Virgo, this style doesn't seek attention but perfection, as shown by the fact that everything has its place, every element serves a purpose, and the beauty lies in the subtlety and care behind the design. —

Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 May 2026 The book also goes deeper into Silvia’s relationship to motherhood, but Sotomayor wanted to broach the subject with a certain subtlety on screen. —

Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 17 May 2026 Sports fans can appreciate subtlety but there is a reason baseball hosts a home run derby and not a bunt fest, and basketball has a dunk contest in lieu of a layup line. —

Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 May 2026 Fukada stealthily shades in these subtleties of feeling into the story with exacting skill, creating a drama that touches on social issues but never feels issues-driven. —

Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtlety

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety

Noun

For everyone else, including this freelance journalist without an expense account, the approach is more like a military-level obstacle course designed to test your cunning and will.

— Jada Yuan, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
The quality that drew Kurosawa to Yonezawa’s novel in the first place is not valor or cunning but something considerably less heroic.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 May 2026