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
Expect flavors like: Red cherries Raspberries Strawberries Sometimes a little earthiness (think mushrooms or damp forest floors in a romantic way, not a scary one)
Good Pinot is all about elegance, balance, and subtlety.
—
Emily Price, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
There is no room for subtlety in a successful vertical.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
Feeling the weight of a particular yarn, seeing the subtlety of certain colors in certain lights, spotting a finished product on a shelf—these tangible interactions are what move many crafters to experiment with something new.
—Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
While today’s Bottega, previously under Matthieu Blazy, is celebrated for its intellectual tailoring and soft sculpture, the throughline is clear: elevated restraint, bold subtlety, and a commitment to letting the clothes (and craft) speak.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Emily Price, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
There is no room for subtlety in a successful vertical.
—Joshua Hunt, Vulture, 5 June 2025
Feeling the weight of a particular yarn, seeing the subtlety of certain colors in certain lights, spotting a finished product on a shelf—these tangible interactions are what move many crafters to experiment with something new.
—Andrea Valdez, The Atlantic, 1 June 2025
While today’s Bottega, previously under Matthieu Blazy, is celebrated for its intellectual tailoring and soft sculpture, the throughline is clear: elevated restraint, bold subtlety, and a commitment to letting the clothes (and craft) speak.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety
cunning
Noun
-
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
-
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 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share