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
The new species was identified by its call, skeleton, toes, webbing and other subtle physical features, the study said.
—
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
That disaster hangs in the background and allows the film to pose subtle questions about parenting, ethics and climate issues.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
The subjects’ multifaceted backgrounds — from Arab organizers to Jewish students to community Rabbis — helps weave a multicultural fabric, which becomes, at first, a subtle de facto retort to claims of the protests’ inherent antisemitism, and after a while, a very explicit one.
—Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2025
The material has a subtle stretch and is coated with a water-repellant finish.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2025
That disaster hangs in the background and allows the film to pose subtle questions about parenting, ethics and climate issues.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
The subjects’ multifaceted backgrounds — from Arab organizers to Jewish students to community Rabbis — helps weave a multicultural fabric, which becomes, at first, a subtle de facto retort to claims of the protests’ inherent antisemitism, and after a while, a very explicit one.
—Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 25 Mar. 2025
The material has a subtle stretch and is coated with a water-repellant finish.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Every actor is absolutely perfect in this super-efficient romp, from Cleese’s perfect straight man amidst the chaos, to Curtis’ seductive, cunning femme fatale, to Palin’s stammering, animal-loving hitman whose assassination attempts go disastrously wrong.—
Travis Bean,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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Their infatuations are challenged by a cunning philosopher who persuades the bros to pretend they’ve been suddenly drafted and to return later in disguise to woo each other’s fiancée.—
Mark Swed,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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This is a nice improvement, though short of Apple's 10-hour estimate.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Mar. 2025
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Women can wear a nice top and skirt, a knee-length or midi dress, or a suit.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Below, read my full review of the exquisite Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa.—
Meredith Lepore,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Mar. 2025
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In 1914, Jonathan’s great-grandfather built a thriving business in Iran, selling exquisite Persian rugs.—
Kyle J. Russell,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Plus, shop cute styles for brunch with friends or date night.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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This cute upstairs cafe at the English Market is a great choice for tea, cakes or lunch.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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After more than 30 years, Wimberley Glassworks still flourishes and its gallery is bursting with color—plates in kaleidoscopic shades, delicate pieces glowing brightly on tables, sculptures fanning out in rainbows over the walls, as if outraged by the white paint.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Mar. 2025
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Reinforcing its status as a rising force in contemporary fashion, Ann Andelman’s boutique launch coincides with the release of the label’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection — a range that explores the delicate balance between sensibility and emotion through a dreamlike visual narrative.—
Angela Lei,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Held in the heart of Orlando, this elegant event celebrates resilience and hope, with all proceeds directly supporting vital services for survivors of trauma, violence, and abuse.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
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The Montecito Outdoor Pillow Cover, in particular, brings in a jolt of color and texture in one elegant design.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Gere leaped to musicals with Chicago (2002) and danced away with a Golden Globe and SAG Award for his pitch-perfect performance as slick defense attorney Billy Flynn.—
Andrew Walsh,
EW.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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The clean vocals are so slick, and the ad-libs so coarse, that rumors of Carti using an AI model of his own voice are circulating in the fandom.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The mudstone created an environment that could concentrate and preserve organic molecules and trapped them inside the fine grains of the sedimentary rock.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
29 Mar. 2025
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Judy Koutsky,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
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