1
as in shrewd
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Everything happens in a fluid, subtle manner.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The pop singer makes a break for riskier, more exciting musical territory, swerving between noisy club bangers and newly subtle pop gems.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Some examples from Myers include the subtle etching in marble, the soft wear of limestone, the lived-in texture of linen, or the subtle fading and marks that form in hardwood floors.
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Revolve excels at minimalist tops with subtle details that instantly elevate an outfit, and this off-the-shoulder style delivers that same refined effect.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
The pop singer makes a break for riskier, more exciting musical territory, swerving between noisy club bangers and newly subtle pop gems.
—Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
Some examples from Myers include the subtle etching in marble, the soft wear of limestone, the lived-in texture of linen, or the subtle fading and marks that form in hardwood floors.
—Lacey Ramburger, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Revolve excels at minimalist tops with subtle details that instantly elevate an outfit, and this off-the-shoulder style delivers that same refined effect.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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The 56-year-old Iranian American, who grew up in Los Angeles, is the architect of shrewd moves that have brought Paramount within reach of its blockbuster merger that would redefine Hollywood.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
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Prove his nous in the transfer market Based on Nuno’s first window, Axel Disasi, 28, the loanee from Chelsea and Taty Castellanos, 27, the €29m arrival from Lazio, were shrewd signings.—
Roshane Thomas,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Removing the surrounding rock and exposing delicate anatomical details required years of careful work.—
Sanaa El-Sayed,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
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Adaptation is always a delicate balance.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Passalacqua is almost too exquisite not to be able to be present for every moment of it.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The hotel has a sister property, Miramare Suites, on Sestri’s other bay, Baia della Favole, with a popular restaurant, La Locanda Carmagnini, to complement the Miramare’s Baia del Silenzio, known for its seafood and exquisite on-the-water location.—
Catherine Sabino,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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What could be more cunning and disgusting than training dogs to commit anal rape?—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
21 May 2026
-
Dano’s static line delivery gets used for a chilling but laconic effect as his character’s cunning political negotiations lead to deadly outcomes.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
13 May 2026
Adjective
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In a game worthy of the finest chess matches, Patrick Henry High School coach Sheldon Watkins and Ramon Orozco of Eastlake traded moves for seven innings — bunting, stealing and walking hitters intentionally.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 May 2026
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There’s a fine blue line between stupid and clever.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Given its elegant design and everyday practicality, this breezy dress can go just about anywhere.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 2026
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Its beautiful white flowers make for an elegant addition to any yard.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
6 June 2026
Adjective
-
Junior Brooke Neale applied a slick tag.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
31 May 2026
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But homes are personal spaces, and consumers will need more than a shiny robot and a slick app.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
31 May 2026
Adjective
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Many women are simultaneously navigating chronic stress, poor sleep, caregiving responsibilities, financial pressure, nonstop digital stimulation, and relentless productivity expectations during the exact years hormonal shifts begin intensifying.—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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That, however, doesn’t capture the exact torque, force and grip required for a robot hand to work flawlessly.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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