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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
And while a cat-eye might feel outside your comfort zone, this pair is subtle, sleek, and universally flattering.
—
Iman Balagam, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Saoirse could be totally feral and go so high, and then be so subtle and go there in a very real way with all those emotions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 5 June 2025
Initially the perfumes were typically subtle and muted, but the perfumes have gotten bigger, more floral and juicier.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s characterized by bright, zesty hues, airy linens, wicker accents, and a subtle Mediterranean influence.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Iman Balagam, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Saoirse could be totally feral and go so high, and then be so subtle and go there in a very real way with all those emotions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 5 June 2025
Initially the perfumes were typically subtle and muted, but the perfumes have gotten bigger, more floral and juicier.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s characterized by bright, zesty hues, airy linens, wicker accents, and a subtle Mediterranean influence.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.—
Jeannette Catsoulis,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.—
Isle McElroy,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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That this wrap-up happens on the stoop of an apartment building provides a nice callback to Past Lives.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 June 2025
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In other words, this is very much a ROG Ally handheld PC but with some nice Xbox touches that will the overall experience feel more like playing an Xbox.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
With the opening of the new Casa Sanlorenzo cultural centre, Sanlorenzo pivots from producing exquisite vessels to becoming a vessel itself, one that carries culture, ideas, and transformation.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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In addition, Vi boasts exquisite restaurants offering a range of casual to upscale dining with a focus on scratch cooking. Clubs, classes and events create opportunities for residents to make new and deeper connections with each other.—
Advertorial,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
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In addition to pool and beach looks, these slides look cute with baggy jeans and graphic tank tops, flowy midi dresses, and two-piece linen sets.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The name angel pie gives a few of this dessert's secrets away: The crust is a super delicate meringue that's crisp on the outside but marshmallowy on the inside.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 June 2025
-
He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, had delicate surgery and was sidelined 11 months.—
Chuck Murr,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Adjective
-
The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
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And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.—
Emma Bocchi,
Vogue,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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That’s when Timothy Olyphant shows up as Clark Ross, a slick golf legend who has the clout, money and cunning to undercut Stick and make Santi his own protegé.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
4 June 2025
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The companies breaking through aren’t the ones with the slickest campaigns or splashiest features.—
Kristin Russel,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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Under his watchful eye, the new site will spotlight the finest talents in the region.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
9 June 2025
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On Sunday evening, Broadway’s finest, including George Clooney, Mia Farrow, Lea Michele and Tonys host Cynthia Erivo, gathered outside of Radio City Music Hall under a covered red carpet, avoiding the dreary New York City weather.—
Emily Burns,
Footwear News,
9 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
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