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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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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Ice is not nice The ice at American Airlines Center was a huge problem in Game 2, with players on both teams falling down left and right.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
22 Apr. 2025
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It’s made of a tarp-like material that feels pretty durable and the lid zippers, which is nice to contain smells.—
Sara Coughlin,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This small deciduous tree's exquisite blossoms show up before the leaves each year.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Bryson DeChambeau DeChambeau does little wrong, and he’s been exquisite in every facet this week.—
Bennett Conlin,
Baltimore Sun,
12 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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Soft and delicate fragrances of spring flowers and mandarins.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Hoffman recalls of including the delicate destination nods.—
David Foxley,
Architectural Digest,
21 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.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
22 Apr. 2025
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If sports betting is not his jam, that’s just fine, too.—
David B. McGarry,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.
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