as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subtlety
Instead, the focus falls on the subtlety of gin infusions, tonics and accompanying garnish.
—
Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
There are subtleties and intricacies to these reclamations, however.
—Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Early evidence might not represent the bigger picture; a statement might seem obvious, only for some hidden subtlety to reveal itself.
—Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2024
James Mangold and his entire team pull off a technical feat from sound, editing, costume, cinematography to production design, down to the subtleties of makeup and hair.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subtlety 
Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
There are subtleties and intricacies to these reclamations, however.
—Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 26 Nov. 2024
Early evidence might not represent the bigger picture; a statement might seem obvious, only for some hidden subtlety to reveal itself.
—Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2024
James Mangold and his entire team pull off a technical feat from sound, editing, costume, cinematography to production design, down to the subtleties of makeup and hair.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subtlety
Thesaurus Entries Near subtlety
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtlety. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share