as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
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
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Recent Examples of subtlety
Whatever subtlety remained at the beginning of the week has since vanished.
—
Lora Kolodny,ari Levy, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Lora Kolodny,ari Levy, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for subtlety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtlety
Noun
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Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
18 Mar. 2025
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Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
25 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtlety. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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