subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms

• cunning
• artfulness
• subtleness

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

If a panel fails to express those subtleties, all the audience sees is a flat mass of darkness. —Bae Dongmi, Variety, 30 June 2025

Instead, this otherwise generic ballad that preaches the merits of rejoicing in partnership, love guiding the way and sacred gardens with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, showcases a trio steeped in restraint. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 27 June 2025

Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster. —Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025

These artists know that flamboyance needn’t preclude subtlety, and that stardom neither guarantees nor bars revelation. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 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