Synonyms of subtlety

subtlety

noun

ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

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

• cunning
• artfulness
• subtleness
• slyness
• guile
• deviousness
• slickness
• sneakiness
• canniness
• ease
• cunningness
• craft
• craftiness
• wiliness
• artifice
• calculation
• caginess
• inventiveness
• cageyness
• cleverness
• shrewdness
• finesse
• foxiness
• design
• care
• ingenuity
• guilefulness
• savvy
• ingeniousness
• sharpness
• duplicity
• facility
• shiftiness
• underhandedness
• deceitfulness

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subtlety

Led by a performance of transfixing grace and subtlety from Ben Whishaw in the title role, the diaristic film spins compacted time into something free-flowing, expansive, illuminating and emotionally resonant, all of it achieved with elegant restraint. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025

Along with the basics, Snow is guiding Eldridge on the subtleties of the position: bunts, relays, cutoffs, positioning. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025

The coach’s delivery came with all the subtlety of a jackhammer. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks breathe new life into the classic novel from James Clavell – expanding upon its subtleties with rich cultural authenticity. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025