subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms

• artfulness
• artifice
• caginess
• cageyness
• canniness
• craft
• craftiness
• cunning
• cunningness
• deviousness
• foxiness
• guile
• guilefulness
• slickness
• slyness
• sneakiness
• subtleness
• wiliness

Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

The pianist performed with subtlety and passion.

we appreciated the subtlety with which our host indicated that it was time to leave: he volunteered to pack us a little lunch for the road

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with the basics, Snow is guiding Eldridge on the subtleties of the position: bunts, relays, cutoffs, positioning. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2025

The coach’s delivery came with all the subtlety of a jackhammer. —Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks breathe new life into the classic novel from James Clavell – expanding upon its subtleties with rich cultural authenticity. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 7 Feb. 2025

The artist has long been known for work (including site-specific sculpture) that takes on environmental issues with engaging subtlety. —The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sotilte, subtilte, from Anglo-French sotilté, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle