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
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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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Another male ally to the women’s crimes is Walter (Elijah Wood), a fellow citizen detective of Misty’s who uses his wealth and cunning to bury Shauna’s murder case once and for all.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
12 Feb. 2025
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Thomas adds that much like Capricorns — known for their great ambition and perseverance to reach the top — Luthor is also strategic, cunning and powerful.—
Athena Sobhan,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Elizabeth had started working and spent some of her wages on nice outfits.—
Mara Bovsun,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
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Give your sink a nice bubble bath by stopping the drain and filling the basin along with a tablet.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Choose from savories like Maine lobster and caviar sandwiches and decadent sweets such as a Sacher torte, all while sipping from exquisite glassware.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2025
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But a couple of years ago food stylist Caroline Hwang, who is also co-founder of Synonym magazine, introduced me to her recipe for the Hawaiian version featuring furikake and a sweet soy sauce glaze that caramelizes in the oven to exquisite crunchiness.—
Betty Hallock,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Jang Theo was incredibly head over heels for her and showered her with gifts and cute gestures.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
11 Feb. 2025
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The dish is shaped like the iconic chocolate candy, complete with a sizeable bowl and matching lid that is both functional and super cute.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Special Items Whether antiques, cherished knickknacks, or heirlooms, items that are very delicate and/or precious to the customer are typically items house cleaners won’t want to mess with in order to cut down the risk of damaging them.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2025
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The smooth texture is complemented by delicate, not-too-sweet flavors, including the likes of lime yuzu caramel and jasmine tea, among more standard combinations.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 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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Watch out for slippery roads: The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
The Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2025
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Ash and debris created when trees and other objects burn cause the ground to become slick.—
Christopher Cann,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Though the club enters the international break in fine form, in all likelihood, in the big picture, this campaign will, unfortunately, be primarily remembered for the failure of this core Canucks group to coexist and fit together on a durable contending team.—
Thomas Drance,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
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He’s expected to walk, and his vision is fine, his father said.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near subtle
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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