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
Who could possibly succeed such a fashion giant, forgoing flash in favor of tailoring, subtlety, quality?
—
Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Inspired by the French filmmaker Éric Rohmer, whose work Keith has admired for its ability to unearth profound truths in the smallest human gestures, Advisry’s latest offering channels that same subtlety.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
Despite the transformative power of the makeup, Hiro and Safdie decided subtlety was key, especially for practical reasons.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Her thoughtful colleagues helped those subtleties sing.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025
Inspired by the French filmmaker Éric Rohmer, whose work Keith has admired for its ability to unearth profound truths in the smallest human gestures, Advisry’s latest offering channels that same subtlety.
—Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025
Despite the transformative power of the makeup, Hiro and Safdie decided subtlety was key, especially for practical reasons.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
Her thoughtful colleagues helped those subtleties sing.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety
Noun
-
Luke Shaw’s technique and cunning at centre-back deserved to be better rewarded.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Others praised the pup's cunning.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There is a real seriousness to the score — the scheming bad-guy music has the artfulness of Prokofiev, and even the sneaking-around cues have musical integrity and structure.—
Tim Greiving,
Vulture,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtlety. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share