subtlety
noun
sub·tle·ty
ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 
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
In discussion with Deadline, Thornton subtlety confirmed that Elliott had joined the cast after answering a question about working with his old pals Moore and Andy Garcia.
—
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025
But what truly fascinated him was the subtlety of its mode of action.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Its six universally flattering shades provide a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
That lets a biographer build a picture with real subtlety, complexity and accuracy.
—Meredith Wolf Schizer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
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.
Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2025
But what truly fascinated him was the subtlety of its mode of action.
—Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Its six universally flattering shades provide a soft, radiant flush that lasts all day, offering a perfect balance of vibrancy and subtlety.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
That lets a biographer build a picture with real subtlety, complexity and accuracy.
—Meredith Wolf Schizer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subtlety
noun
sub·tle·ty
ˈsət-ᵊl-tē
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share