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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Difference Between London Pimm’s Cup and New Orleans Pimm’s Cup
Similarities
The London Pimm’s Cup and the New Orleans Pimm’s Cup have far more similarities than differences; in fact, their variations are subtle and easy-to-miss.
—
Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Difficulty seeing fine details and subtle differences in shading and patterns9
What Causes MMD?
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
Stewart gives us a subtle take on the classic springtime print with this four-pack of kitchen towels that’s nearly half-off.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The varsity-style stripes add a subtle point of interest, and the V-neck is high enough to be worn alone (directly over a bra) as a sweater or over a camisole.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
Difficulty seeing fine details and subtle differences in shading and patterns9
What Causes MMD?
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Apr. 2025
Stewart gives us a subtle take on the classic springtime print with this four-pack of kitchen towels that’s nearly half-off.
—Clint Davis, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The varsity-style stripes add a subtle point of interest, and the V-neck is high enough to be worn alone (directly over a bra) as a sweater or over a camisole.
—Amy Louise Bailey, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Unlike Mitch McConnell, the taciturn and cunning leader at the time, Thune genuinely tried to answer questions.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2025
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But what Neil is accused of is something well beyond cunning or perfidy or faithlessness, well beyond questionable morality.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In this chicken noodle casserole, the pasta is perfectly cooked and creamy, with bits of chicken adding a nice bite and different texture.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2025
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The physical edition even includes a full-color manual like the good old days, which is a nice touch.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
9 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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Plus, shop cute styles for brunch with friends or date night.—
Isabel Garcia,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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This cute upstairs cafe at the English Market is a great choice for tea, cakes or lunch.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
2 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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However, Rosewood Baha Mar is arguably the most elegant, drawing a more discerning and spendy crowd.—
Denny Lee,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
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Many reviews praised Fitzgerald’s elegant prose but dismissed the book’s literary significance.—
Nick Woltman,
Twin Cities,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The interface is slick and easy to navigate, with options laid out in large, high-resolution tiles—a step up from the often-clunky screens found on traditional in-seat systems.—
Scott Campbell,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Apr. 2025
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Trunk scored the first run in Friday’s game, which was stopped in the bottom of the second inning due to rain and slick conditions.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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