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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
And while a cat-eye might feel outside your comfort zone, this pair is subtle, sleek, and universally flattering.
—
Iman Balagam, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Saoirse could be totally feral and go so high, and then be so subtle and go there in a very real way with all those emotions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 5 June 2025
Initially the perfumes were typically subtle and muted, but the perfumes have gotten bigger, more floral and juicier.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s characterized by bright, zesty hues, airy linens, wicker accents, and a subtle Mediterranean influence.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Iman Balagam, Glamour, 5 June 2025
Saoirse could be totally feral and go so high, and then be so subtle and go there in a very real way with all those emotions.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 5 June 2025
Initially the perfumes were typically subtle and muted, but the perfumes have gotten bigger, more floral and juicier.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
It’s characterized by bright, zesty hues, airy linens, wicker accents, and a subtle Mediterranean influence.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
-
Hawkins knows exactly how to play Laura’s cheery psychopathy and cunning cruelties, and Wong, in her first film role, gives Piper a spirited independence.—
Jeannette Catsoulis,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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Rigg’s voice is sharp and engrossing, her characters cunning but affable.—
Isle McElroy,
Vulture,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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From the outside, Lyons’s house is a textbook Baltimore row home with a modest porch made for relaxing on a nice day or having a smoke while you people-watch.—
Lawrence Burney,
Pitchfork,
28 May 2025
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Wilson completed a pass to Dee Eskridge, who made a nice one-handed catch with cornerback Kendall Sheffield in coverage.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The Cannes Film Festival is also where these categories flourish in visibility, especially the high jewelry, which has used the high-profile event to promote their exquisite and expensive creations on the Red Carpet.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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And Diane de Poitiers, reputed to be the most beautiful woman in 16th-century France, drank gold to preserve her exquisite looks, the Botox of the Renaissance.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
1 June 2025
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In addition to pool and beach looks, these slides look cute with baggy jeans and graphic tank tops, flowy midi dresses, and two-piece linen sets.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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The floral motifs created a garden of light against the shimmering teal backdrop for a dramatic, yet delicate look.—
Pooja Shah,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Lorenza Rosé, $23 Year after year, the Lorenza team produces a rosé that's both light and delicate while still being chock-full of flavor and personality.—
Seth Eli Barlow,
Arkansas Online,
27 May 2025
Adjective
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And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.—
Emma Bocchi,
Vogue,
6 June 2025
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The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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That’s when Timothy Olyphant shows up as Clark Ross, a slick golf legend who has the clout, money and cunning to undercut Stick and make Santi his own protegé.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
4 June 2025
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The companies breaking through aren’t the ones with the slickest campaigns or splashiest features.—
Kristin Russel,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Adjective
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In any case, for the other guests, the tripping goes fine.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
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Surrounded by monumental works from celebrated contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei and Jaume Plensa, Biggers’ piece contributes to The Donum Collection’s vision: a harmonious blend of fine wine, sustainable farming, and transformative art.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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