1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 subtle
Advertisement That gets at a subtle but important distinction here, though: generating more revenue isn’t always the same as charging higher fares across the board.
—
Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
These pillowcases add an impactful stripe in subtle colorways, to create depth and visual interest in your bedding without requiring a full-on maximalist makeover.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The property’s subtle musical motif reminds guests of its beginnings as a radio station, while the sunset libations at its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar draw a regular crowd.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
These pillowcases add an impactful stripe in subtle colorways, to create depth and visual interest in your bedding without requiring a full-on maximalist makeover.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The property’s subtle musical motif reminds guests of its beginnings as a radio station, while the sunset libations at its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar draw a regular crowd.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the big island of Hawai’i were all joined by water but divided by greedy men, cunning chiefs and a cycle of endless combat.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Slated for release on July 17, 2026, The Odyssey is an adaptation of the epic poem from Homer, which tells the story of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, and his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, loyalty, cunning, and the struggle against divine will.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
1 July 2025
Adjective
-
The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
-
And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
-
Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.—
Michael T. Luongo
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Make lunchtime fun again with the help of a cute and colorful bento box or a fun, interactive lunch box.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
30 July 2025
-
The moment in which Guy and Nan reunite at the courthouse and mirror each other on a staircase and over a railing, respectively, is reminiscent of their meet cute in Season 1.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
Baden-Baden Nestled alongside Germany's southwestern Black Forest, Baden-Baden is an elegant town that has been attracting wellness lovers since the Roman times.—
Sofia Markovich,
Travel + Leisure,
24 July 2025
-
Complementing the accommodations and A-list automobiles are the property’s elegant Espelette restaurant and bar, the 5,000-square-foot La Prairie Spa, a pool with panoramic city views, and the rarefied Rooftop culinary experience.—
Viju Mathew,
Robb Report,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
The Final Insult: Infrastructure Without Respect Behind slick UX and celebrity endorsements, these longevity startups still require radiologists to interpret scans, flag potential cancers, and provide legal sign-off.—
Sindhya Valloppillil,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
-
But Cross can hardly keep up with his job’s basic tasks, let alone the kind of slick change represented by the person often challenging his control over Eddington: its mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal).—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
People in their finest gathered under those lights.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 July 2025
-
Experts believe that rice played a role in rituals that were performed in the cave, which also included fine pottery, shell pendants and ornaments.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share