subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

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
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.
Employees are acutely attuned to the subtleties in their supervisor’s communication, using these cues to gauge trustworthiness and interpret intentions. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 The masterful subtlety of light brushstrokes and the troublingly realistic sfumato of the Renaissance painter in the service of god or a noblewoman elevated the work and, by extension, its maker to celebrity. Ruby Justice Thelot, ARTnews.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Much like the ancient celebration of Samhain (All Hallows’ Eve), Scorpios are masters of subtlety and their quiet stillness more than often belies what’s actually stirring beneath the surface of their perpetual poker face. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024 Powers has also written novels of greater subtlety, driven by a purist’s fascination with the inner workings of complex systems and instruments: The Gold Bug Variations, Galatea 2.2, Orfeo,Plowing the Dark. Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subtlety 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtlety was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near subtlety

Cite this Entry

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun
sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

More from Merriam-Webster on subtlety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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