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
Examples 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
Several research groups all over the world are working on methods of using subtle electrical impulses–called transcranial electrostimulation–or acoustic signals as a way to influence slow waves during sleep.
—
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
Brunson, who had already moved off the ball and stationed himself in the corner, begins a subtle drift toward half court.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Although there are subtle details designed exclusively for golf, such as a pocket where a collection of tees can be stashed in a cargo-style side pant pocket, without the tees, the pants look like any other performance piece.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen SPF 50
$16 $12 at Amazon
This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen will instantly transport you to the beach thanks to its subtle but deliciously tropical scents.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subtle 
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
Brunson, who had already moved off the ball and stationed himself in the corner, begins a subtle drift toward half court.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Although there are subtle details designed exclusively for golf, such as a pocket where a collection of tees can be stashed in a cargo-style side pant pocket, without the tees, the pants look like any other performance piece.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen SPF 50
$16 $12 at Amazon
This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen will instantly transport you to the beach thanks to its subtle but deliciously tropical scents.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Dawson plays Maritza Cruz, a high-end celebrity attorney, pulled into a headline-making case involving Fatima, a cunning young waitress who is accused of serial poisoning and murdering 28 people.Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Since then, Putin has sought instead to rally the public to the defense of a motherland besieged by the perfidious and cunning West.Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish.Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024
-
It's made of recycled plastic bottles, and its straps have a nice rubbery grip to keep it on your shoulders.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The fourth album by these Philadelphia punks is a pristine work in the Sleater-Kinney tradition of petulance: Noise and vulnerability surge in exquisite counterpoint; guitars crunch as satisfyingly as an autumn leaf under one’s heel.Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Les Jardins De Bagatelle stocks an exquisite selection of French imports.Eve Ettinger, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
For a cute accent table or seating option, the KYRRE electric blue stool is a must have.Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2024
-
In late November, Munn posted a cute tribute on Instagram to celebrate her son's third birthday.Hannah Sacks, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
These will need to strike a delicate balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring responsible development.Adrian Swinscoe, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
-
The team then starts another long, delicate task: preparing the pig kidneys for implantation.Rob Stein, NPR, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The bowls are universal and have nice high sides that feel elegant and shapely in the hand.Laura Denby, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
-
The interiors are sophisticated and elegant without an ounce of tacky, in-your-face tropical aesthetic of pastels and seashells.Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
With Thursday's temperature expected to stay below freezing, the National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued a special weather statement, warning motorists to expect slick road conditions this afternoon and evening as central and northern Indiana are expected to be hit by light snow showers.Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024
-
Light accumulation on untreated surfaces may create additional slick spots and travel difficulties during the evening commute.Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Users can also indicate their budget for dinner as the app works with various types of restaurants (casual, fine dining, etc.).Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
-
Rather than make a clean getaway, Gabby ended up getting trapped in the netting and was left dangling by the side of the crib, completely fine but not happy.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near subtle
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share