1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
the subtle strokes of the painter's brush
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness
a subtle suggestion of the Near East in the soup's flavoring
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
With generative AI, those same tests might miss subtle risks.
—
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Although both eating patterns share similar health benefits, subtle differences exist that may influence which diet is best for you.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Participants can learn how our brains distinguish fact from fiction, how our brains make decisions and the subtle tactics that advertisers, marketers and con men can use, according to a press release about the event.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Khash Kiani, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Although both eating patterns share similar health benefits, subtle differences exist that may influence which diet is best for you.
—Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 11 July 2025
Participants can learn how our brains distinguish fact from fiction, how our brains make decisions and the subtle tactics that advertisers, marketers and con men can use, according to a press release about the event.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
In this edition, the grey tone reflects the muted, misty landscape of the British coast, with subtle variations achieved through multiple layers of transparent lacquer.
—Matthew Catellier, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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The Residence starred Uzo Aduba as quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who uses her cunning intellect and obsessive bird-watching abilities to crack otherwise unsolvable cases.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
2 July 2025
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As for steps that could be taken in the nineteenth century, Lyell managed to invent a cunning way to determine the relative age of geological strata.—
Lewis Hyde,
Harpers Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Specialty restaurants on Westerdam, which come at an extra cost, include Pinnacle Grill, a steakhouse-style affair serving prime steaks and seafood, and Canaletto, which does nice Italian fare.—
Susan B. Barnes,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2025
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And it’s been nice to have it as kind of an every-now-and-again encore to surprise the audience and give a little bit of love to the cities that have shown me a lot of love over the years.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Le Melange is a pastry boutique that felt like an exquisite jewelry store.—
Marcia DeSanctis,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2025
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All this evidence suggests that the earliest tarot deck may have been used for little more than a courtly card game, an exquisite plaything for the super-rich.—
John Last,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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July 6, 2025: Rodman watching Shelton’s match at Wimbledon is so cute the ESPN announcer literally giggles trying to talk about them.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
7 July 2025
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Oh, and the best pairs of the bunch are also plain old comfy (and cute, in a gorpcore kind of way).—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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Guests can pick up housemade breads, rotisserie chicken, and delicate pastries made in partnership with Healdsburg’s Quail & Condor.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The designer’s use of color is also about delicate balances.—
Ugonnaora Owoh,
Essence,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Actor Andrew Garfield wore his trusty Omega De Ville Trésor, soccer star Bukayo Saka flexed a gorgeous Patek Philippe Nautilus, and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa flaunted an elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
12 July 2025
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Order the celebration of summer strawberries, which includes an incredibly elegant presentation of shave ice.—
Leslie Kelly,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Adjective
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The treatment increases pavement friction, particularly when wet weather makes roadways slick, and helps to protect concrete surfaces.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
11 July 2025
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However, Wolf was active on the boards, grabbing six rebounds in 20 minutes, and Saraf displayed a tight handle and slick moves off the dribble.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Yet there's also some darn fine journalism in writer/director James Gunn's film.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
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The cake itself was fine and light, but might benefit from a soak of some kind.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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