subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl How to pronounce subtle (audio)
Definition of subtlenext
1
as in shrewd
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means used subtle methods of persuasion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in delicate
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

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 These meteors are usually softer and subtler than Perseids — medium-speed streaks without many dramatic fireballs or glowing trails. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 17 July 2026 Meanwhile, Tucuma-seed and buriti oils soften the skin and boost its radiance for a subtle, youthful gleam. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 17 July 2026 Shared playlists for events or workspaces can become subtle expressions of identity and culture. — Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Curated by Our Editors There are more subtle effects as well—such as gradual changes in the shape of Earth’s orbit as a result of the gravitational effects of other planets—that make this calculation difficult. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
  1. cunning
  2. delicate
  3. exquisite
  4. slick
  5. fine
  6. elegant
  7. deceptive
  8. exact
Adjective
  • This Claudia is the opposite of Hayles’s quiet, cunning performance as Regina and conveys a phenomenal range.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 July 2026
  • Also of great importance in the finale is the revelation that the Soviets, thanks to the cunning genius of the Chief Designer, made it to Venus after all.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Adjective
  • For jewelry, a delicate gold watch, earrings, plus her Jessica McCormack engagement ring and wedding band.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Trump has made several announcements throughout the Iran war about the state of the crucial oil-shipping strait and the delicate ceasefire agreement on Truth Social that have affected financial markets and moved the price of oil.
    — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • France came into the game having scored fourteen goals across the tournament, several of them exquisite demonstrations of the team’s style and vitality.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
  • From the central open-air firepit of the Great Porch, to the playful tile spewed throughout various common spaces and the 65 cabins and cottages, the design of Wildflower is exquisite.
    — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • However, these benefits can’t be fully enjoyed if you’re left with flat and slick strands.
    — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 5 July 2026
  • The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 2 July 2026
Definition of slick
Adjective
  • The 40-year-old goalkeeper, who only turned professional aged 25, helped Cape Verde hold the European champions to a goalless draw with a string of fine saves.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • This is common when the sensor gets a coating of fine dust on it.
    — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026
Definition of fine
Adjective
  • After all, why should an elegant Japanese sushi spot have a cheeseburger on the menu?
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • Since becoming a part of the royal family, the Princess of Wales has attended several public events and is known for her elegant fashion sense.
    — Zoe Kaplan, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • The standout interlude is the soldiers’ visit to the island domain of Circe, a treacherous witch played with deceptive calm and a misleading air of distraction by a bone-chilling Samantha Morton.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
  • Using a clinician’s name, image, or credentials in a synthetic endorsement without consent should be treated as deceptive practice, with liability directed toward those who commission or distribute the content.
    — Henry Bair, STAT, 14 July 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • But there have been no exact numbers of how many missiles and drones Iran had when the war began or how many have since been used or destroyed.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Authorities know where the boat sank but have not yet pinpointed its exact location on the bay floor.
    — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 16 July 2026
Definition of exact

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subtitles
subtle
subtleness
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Cite this Entry

“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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