1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Made with precisely three slices of thick tangy sourdough and creamy peanut butter, it's fried gently in butter to a subtle yet glorious golden brown.
—
Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
In infants, symptoms can be more subtle, such as poor feeding, irritability or pauses in breathing.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
The move reads as a subtle flex but also a nod to the longevity of Drake’s career thus far.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
Silicon Valley Workers Quietly Protest: As Mark Zuckerberg and other tech titans have embraced President Trump and muffled internal dissent at their companies, their mostly left-leaning employees have objected with subtle acts of defiance.
—Mike Isaac, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025
In infants, symptoms can be more subtle, such as poor feeding, irritability or pauses in breathing.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025
The move reads as a subtle flex but also a nod to the longevity of Drake’s career thus far.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
Silicon Valley Workers Quietly Protest: As Mark Zuckerberg and other tech titans have embraced President Trump and muffled internal dissent at their companies, their mostly left-leaning employees have objected with subtle acts of defiance.
—Mike Isaac, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Reading it, one is reminded, once again, that Trump is a politician who is cunning but semiliterate and ignorant.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2025
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Sign up The abusive couple were cunning, said Allison Pearson in The Daily Telegraph.—
The Week UK,
theweek,
21 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Hard partying leads to an acceleration of addiction: Rita, in her thirties, after giving birth to four children; Tyson, in his late twenties, after crashing out of college and working practically every job in the nicer parts of the East Bay.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
The New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2025
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Devonte Ross, who surpassed 1,000 yards at Troy in 2024, and Kyron Hudson, who had some nice moments at USC but was never one of the top receivers on the team in four seasons.—
Antonio Morales,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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As is the case with the aesthetics of people, exquisite lines can be found on patrician and proletariat cars alike.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
21 Feb. 2025
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Fashioning Wonder includes some exquisite doll sized clothing and accessories, were traditional objects that might have been included in someone’s collection of curiosities?—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Pair the bottoms with a cute bodysuit or match the top with skirts or shorts, and you're left with multiple outfits in one.—
Jennifer Vermeer,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Feb. 2025
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And the town of Brenham is filled with cute boutiques and restaurants.—
Cynthia Drake,
Southern Living,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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There's actually a bevy of shine-boosting, ultra-nourishing oils on the market that deliver amazing results to delicate strands.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
21 Feb. 2025
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Set in Olivier’s home, the campaign comes to life through a delicate balance of gentleness and audacity, a duality woven into its narrative.—
Essence,
Essence,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Among the standout pieces in the second H&M spring 2025 limited-edition Ramadan collection, semi-shiny satins, jacquards and hammered fabrics add an elegant and luxurious touch.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
18 Feb. 2025
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Its classic trim with elegant details on each door can dress up a modern interior or pair with traditional decor to elevate any space.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The outfit was completed by a white undershirt, a pair of mesh tights, a few silver tone necklaces, and a slick pair of H&M leather knee-high boots.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
28 Feb. 2025
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Steward cautioned drivers to be careful on the roads Saturday, as the overnight rain could create slick conditions.—
Andrea Klick,
Orange County Register,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Guests will enjoy a fine selection of Whittard of Chelsea teas and Wiston English sparkling wine amid an intimate gathering of industry excellence.—
Chris Gardner,
The Hollywood Reporter,
21 Feb. 2025
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Among the special’s finest moments is when Gadsby considers an exit from comedy, or, rather, closing the chapter on an era of comedy that foregrounded self-deprecation over healing.—
Will DiGravio,
TIME,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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