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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
The effect is subtle but powerful, as a kind of glow starts to emanate from Freddy — and then vanishes to crushing effect when his dreams are shattered.
—
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2025
The delightfully retro brand delivers with a formula packed with two sizes of gold mica glitter—one pearly and subtle, the other bold and light-catching—plus skin-loving ingredients like argan oil, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025
And then further up to its conference lineup, heady warm-up shows, and its seven main stages, each with its own unique character and lighting design that uses (or totally blocks) the sunlight of this (mostly) daytime festival to a subtle but enriching effect.
—Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2025
The sleeveless ensemble features a pink and yellow pattern with subtle baby blue and neon yellow accents.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2025
The delightfully retro brand delivers with a formula packed with two sizes of gold mica glitter—one pearly and subtle, the other bold and light-catching—plus skin-loving ingredients like argan oil, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 15 Aug. 2025
And then further up to its conference lineup, heady warm-up shows, and its seven main stages, each with its own unique character and lighting design that uses (or totally blocks) the sunlight of this (mostly) daytime festival to a subtle but enriching effect.
—Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 14 Aug. 2025
The sleeveless ensemble features a pink and yellow pattern with subtle baby blue and neon yellow accents.
—Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Köhler specializes in cunning, tonally surprising films about cross-cultural disconnection, and Gavagai is his most ambitious and expansive film yet—a pinpoint-accurate account of moral crises and social biases, modern and ancient, internal and external.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
5 Aug. 2025
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But as the supervisors tweaked the incentives, a new form of cunning arose.—
Craig S. Smith,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
Adjective
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Both Trejo and Crowley rode in the 2025 Centennial Tucson Rodeo, a nice mirroring of the agency’s own 100-year history.—
Suzanne Wright,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
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The extra dose of corn flour brought a nice sweetness, and the new recipe stuck.—
Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Guests stay in one of 26 private rooms that showcase the property’s exquisite original architectural details.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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Harber London Professional Leather Desk Mat for $193: Despite more than a year of use, this Harber London leather desk mat still looks exquisite.—
Henri Robbins,
Wired News,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Cups are often the first things to go, and these are cute enough that people will want to take them home.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
23 Aug. 2025
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But for those trying to make their warm-weather pieces last a bit longer, a cute layer will do the trick.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
People.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Her entire front body is exposed and her natural breasts are round, perky; her pink areolas, small; her pink nipples, delicate, conical.—
Weike Wang,
Harpers Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
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Speaking to the media is one of the more delicate requirements of the position.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Suddenly, a classic white T-shirt and jeans combo has become dynamic, interesting, and highly elegant.—
Paulina Berges,
Glamour,
16 Aug. 2025
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The car’s elegant and understated design, creampuff ride, and regal comportment of occupants was—and remains— the reward of the Corniche experience.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The pool snakes for about a quarter-mile and is cushioned by mangroves that provide ample space for the slick animal to hide.—
Jack Prator,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
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Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil.—
Southern California Weather Report,
Oc Register,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Crafted with precision and intention, Frisson merges emotional technology with fine jewelry design to offer something new: a wearable way to feel connected.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
21 Aug. 2025
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Chef Panchito Ibáñez is cooking one of the finest breakfasts in California.—
Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
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