1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
used subtle methods of persuasion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in nice
made or done with extreme care and accuracy
the subtle strokes of the painter's brush
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
There have been subtle hints of Bayley turning on Valkyria to further their feud for the Intercontinental title.
—
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
The lightweight formula keeps brow hairs in place while adding a subtle sheen for a polished, healthy-looking finish.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
But there’s a subtle difference between the two styles, according to Larry Schooler, PhD, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Some also feature subtle critiques of U.S. tariff policy and accuse American retailers of excessive markups.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2025
The lightweight formula keeps brow hairs in place while adding a subtle sheen for a polished, healthy-looking finish.
—Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
But there’s a subtle difference between the two styles, according to Larry Schooler, PhD, assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
Some also feature subtle critiques of U.S. tariff policy and accuse American retailers of excessive markups.
—Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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With time, cunning, and no irony, the Shuberts slew the Syndicate Goliath and built a monopolistic empire of their own that Justice Department lawyers would decades later force into an antitrust settlement.—
Frank Rich,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
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The mean girl, as we’ve been taught to recognize her, is cunning and charismatic.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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There’s a place downtown called Soul Classics that’s really nice, like street-wear stuff.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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Not easy to do, but nice to come through tonight.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His time at Ralph Lauren bleeds into the exquisite construction of the pieces Chavarria designs presently.—
Essence,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
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Founded in 1948 by jeweler David Webb, the house has been celebrated for its signature animal motifs, intricate gold work and exquisite use of vibrant gemstones.—
Anthony DeMarco,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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His grousing is interrupted by some very cute uncle moments with Maria and Tommy’s son, Benji, then Joel takes off just as Tommy gets back.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
13 Apr. 2025
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Snake Bird Vintage has a fantastic array of clothing and accessories in a cute repurposed garage.—
Kara Franker,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The graceful curvature of the leather seatbacks and straps encasing the sofas were a marvel, somehow both sturdy and delicate.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Loose clusters of delicate, sweetly-scented flowers appear in April and May.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
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The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.—
Trinity Francis,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Travel impacts are likely where snowfall and gusty winds combine to reduce visibility and create slick road conditions, especially in mountainous terrain.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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While ichthyosaurs slid through the water with slick skin, other marine reptiles evolved streamlined scales.—
Riley Black,
Smithsonian Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Passport: Explore the finest destinations and experiences around the world in the Forbes Passport newsletter.—
Stephanie Gravalese,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
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And written by two of the finest Canadian imports in the TV game: Justified creator Graham Yost and Moira Walley-Beckett, who wrote the Breaking Bad installment Rolling Stone once dubbed the best episode in television history.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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