subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms

• artfulness
• artifice
• caginess
• cageyness
• canniness
• craft
• craftiness
• cunning
• cunningness
• deviousness
• foxiness
• guile
• guilefulness
• slickness
• slyness
• sneakiness
• subtleness
• wiliness

Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

The pianist performed with subtlety and passion.

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

Recent Examples on the Web

All nine shades are universally flattering, providing a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 May 2025

Those videos were nightmare fuel, featuring shape-shifting inhumans who simply could not mimic the subtleties of eating pasta. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

The simple fighting mechanics work as the behemoths don’t have much in terms of subtlety of movement. —Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 21 May 2025

Martin, with the subtlety of his judging expressions, seems especially made for his role as Jake, the resident cool kid who weaponizes his sharp attention to detail. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sotilte, subtilte, from Anglo-French sotilté, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle