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
Difference Between London Pimm’s Cup and New Orleans Pimm’s Cup
Similarities
The London Pimm’s Cup and the New Orleans Pimm’s Cup have far more similarities than differences; in fact, their variations are subtle and easy-to-miss.
—
Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Difficulty seeing fine details and subtle differences in shading and patterns9
What Causes MMD?
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
Stewart gives us a subtle take on the classic springtime print with this four-pack of kitchen towels that’s nearly half-off.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The varsity-style stripes add a subtle point of interest, and the V-neck is high enough to be worn alone (directly over a bra) as a sweater or over a camisole.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Difficulty seeing fine details and subtle differences in shading and patterns9
What Causes MMD?
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
Stewart gives us a subtle take on the classic springtime print with this four-pack of kitchen towels that’s nearly half-off.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The varsity-style stripes add a subtle point of interest, and the V-neck is high enough to be worn alone (directly over a bra) as a sweater or over a camisole.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
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The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a place downtown called Soul Classics that’s really nice, like street-wear stuff.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Founded in 1948 by jeweler David Webb, the house has been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
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His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Medium-bodied, there is very good acidity, impressive freshness, and an elegant finish with good persistence.—
Tom Hyland,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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While her capsule collection definitely leans more elegant and feminine like her Wicked-era aesthetic, this new campaign gives off a more playful and flirty vibe.—
Kleigh Balugo,
StyleCaster,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This test can be trickier for some vacuums, as side brushes tend to fling rice particles on the slick surface.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
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While ichthyosaurs slid through the water with slick skin, other marine reptiles evolved streamlined scales.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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And written by two of the finest Canadian imports in the TV game: Justified creator Graham Yost and Moira Walley-Beckett, who wrote the Breaking Bad installment Rolling Stone once dubbed the best episode in television history.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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