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
The subtlety of Akerman’s concept and the wry tenderness of her approach are, however, merely a start.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
Combined with Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina’s score, this soundscape bolsters the fights and emotional flashbacks alike with no degree of subtlety.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Maximalists can lean into bold, dramatic hues, while those who prefer subtlety can opt for earthy neutrals that blend seamlessly with their kitchen decor.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Malek saw similar subtleties from Crowe in this 25-minute actor’s clinic.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 10 Sep. 2025
Combined with Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina’s score, this soundscape bolsters the fights and emotional flashbacks alike with no degree of subtlety.
—David Opie, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2025
Maximalists can lean into bold, dramatic hues, while those who prefer subtlety can opt for earthy neutrals that blend seamlessly with their kitchen decor.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
Malek saw similar subtleties from Crowe in this 25-minute actor’s clinic.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety
Noun
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, The Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
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Luke Shaw’s technique and cunning at centre-back deserved to be better rewarded.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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 18 Sep. 2025.
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