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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
As an example, Griffin once asked Barrack to examine how changes in outside temperatures translate into shifts in heating demand—and the subtle timing effects that influence when that demand shows up in energy markets.
—
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
In a soft butter yellow, this tank offers a fresh alternative to classic white—equally versatile, but with a subtle, statement-making twist.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
An eye-catching area rug like this one brings a subtle hint of glam to your space without going overboard.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
With subtle piping around the arms, an attention to detail ensures the budget-friendly chair has an elevated look.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Shawn Tully, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
In a soft butter yellow, this tank offers a fresh alternative to classic white—equally versatile, but with a subtle, statement-making twist.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2026
An eye-catching area rug like this one brings a subtle hint of glam to your space without going overboard.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
With subtle piping around the arms, an attention to detail ensures the budget-friendly chair has an elevated look.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
In state media comedy shows, jokes about Putin are told from time to time, but they are used to bolster his image as a powerful, cunning leader, and hold up Russia as a great country.—
Neringa Klumbytė,
The Conversation,
4 Mar. 2026
-
These ambitious, cunning, and often amoral Cold War operatives were usually marginal or even inconsequential figures at home.—
Alfred McCoy,
Literary Hub,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
My room had a large bathtub right by the window, a spacious walk-in shower, and Niven Morgan bath products (a nice touch, given that the brand is from Dallas).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The company flew Tony to Cupertino and put him up in a nice hotel with a fruit basket waiting in the room.—
Bill Gurley,
Fortune,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Milton, who does it full-time, posts exquisite videos of the food, with mood music to suit the vibe of each or talks colorfully about the tastes.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Jeannot’s timing was exquisite.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Marvin’s a cute little mushroom living in a cozy home beneath a mighty cedar tree.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Dry off and look cute at the same time with Katydid beach or gym towels.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Let the delicate custard shine.—
Georgeanne Brennan,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Furthermore, the data gathered by the device could be used to train humanoid robots to perform delicate tasks, such as surgery or complex manufacturing, by mimicking human finesse.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Depending on the combination, this creates either a clean, almost futuristic appeal or a soft, elegant look.—
Jana Ackermann,
Glamour,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Van Beirendonck gravitates toward loud prints in bright colors and allusions to BDSM, whereas Van Saene makes elegant cocktail dresses for women with bow details and shrunken cardigans.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Even though researchers have found no evidence that contemporary populations use one hemisphere of the brain any more than the other, every part of this picture is presented with slick confidence.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
With water constantly dripping from above, the surface was slick and unstable.—
Brit McCandless Farmer,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Henry Clay Frick House, er, mansion, spans an entire city block along Fifth Avenue—and nearly every inch is filled with the art enthusiast’s collection of old master paintings and fine furniture.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
-
The charges against him each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and fine of $10,000.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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