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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of subtle
Advertisement That gets at a subtle but important distinction here, though: generating more revenue isn’t always the same as charging higher fares across the board.
—
Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
These pillowcases add an impactful stripe in subtle colorways, to create depth and visual interest in your bedding without requiring a full-on maximalist makeover.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The property’s subtle musical motif reminds guests of its beginnings as a radio station, while the sunset libations at its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar draw a regular crowd.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Scott Keyes, Time, 23 July 2025
These pillowcases add an impactful stripe in subtle colorways, to create depth and visual interest in your bedding without requiring a full-on maximalist makeover.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
They are intended to reduce trauma to the scalp, may contribute to smoother recovery, and are designed to help achieve subtle, natural-looking outcomes.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 12 July 2025
The property’s subtle musical motif reminds guests of its beginnings as a radio station, while the sunset libations at its Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar draw a regular crowd.
—Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Honest Abe is forced to scheme, relying on grit and cunning to win the votes to abolish slavery.—
EW Staff Published,
EW.com,
4 July 2025
-
Of all the acts, though, Sudanese American vocalist Dua Saleh was the most subdued, swaying between heart-fluttering falsettos and cunning raps.—
Olivier Lafontant,
Pitchfork,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
And, the embroidery on the pillowcases adds a nice touch.—
Shalwah Evans,
People.com,
14 July 2025
-
The units also vary in shape: the cube is nice for nightstands, while the wider grand size works well on large dressers.—
Jamie Fischer,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Where a few queens overdo the assignment, Daya’s duct-tape gown reminded that her bad-girl aesthetic still comes channeled through Daya’s exquisite taste.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
11 July 2025
-
Edmund is particularly exquisite in bringing to life the layered history of a location, transporting readers through the eyes of the famous who might have stared at the same monument.—
Michael T. Luongo
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
For my family, our go-to choice is always Lake Como with its breathtaking scenery, cute villages, and some of the country’s best luxury hotels in this little part of Northern Italy.—
Michelle Tchea,
Travel + Leisure,
19 July 2025
-
Fortunately, Amazon is having a massive sale on cute linen clothes, and prices start at just $20.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
19 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tasters enjoyed Canada Dry’s balance of flavors, noting that its delicate citrus played well with a sharp bitter note on the back of their tongues.—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
-
For instance, delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or linen will likely have different washing requirements than white cotton garments.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
Adjective
-
The King of Umbria Red Wines Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is another wine for people who love elegant tannins and a richly fruity taste.—
Elisabetta Tosi,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Rooks looked like an elegant bride in a long classy strapless gown with her hair pulled back.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Adjective
-
Liberal Ted Garcia is a slick political phony — a cartoonish whitewash of actual government authoritarians (Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Andrew Cuomo, etc.).—
Armond White,
National Review,
23 July 2025
-
But Cross can hardly keep up with his job’s basic tasks, let alone the kind of slick change represented by the person often challenging his control over Eddington: its mayor, Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal).—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Based on how Padres pitchers have performed, Díaz and Maldonado had a fine defensive first half.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
All was fine until her grandmother brought home an orange cat.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share