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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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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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of subtle
Several research groups all over the world are working on methods of using subtle electrical impulses–called transcranial electrostimulation–or acoustic signals as a way to influence slow waves during sleep.
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Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024
Brunson, who had already moved off the ball and stationed himself in the corner, begins a subtle drift toward half court.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 12 Dec. 2024
Although there are subtle details designed exclusively for golf, such as a pocket where a collection of tees can be stashed in a cargo-style side pant pocket, without the tees, the pants look like any other performance piece.
—Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk Sunscreen SPF 50
$16 $12 at Amazon
This Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen will instantly transport you to the beach thanks to its subtle but deliciously tropical scents.
—Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subtle 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle
Adjective
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Dawson plays Maritza Cruz, a high-end celebrity attorney, pulled into a headline-making case involving Fatima, a cunning young waitress who is accused of serial poisoning and murdering 28 people.Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
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Since then, Putin has sought instead to rally the public to the defense of a motherland besieged by the perfidious and cunning West.Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Scharffen Berger 70% Cacao Bittersweet Dark Chocolate: A nice snap and melt here, but tasters said there was an acrid quality that gave it an unpleasant finish.Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 16 Dec. 2024
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It's made of recycled plastic bottles, and its straps have a nice rubbery grip to keep it on your shoulders.Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The fourth album by these Philadelphia punks is a pristine work in the Sleater-Kinney tradition of petulance: Noise and vulnerability surge in exquisite counterpoint; guitars crunch as satisfyingly as an autumn leaf under one’s heel.Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Dec. 2024
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Les Jardins De Bagatelle stocks an exquisite selection of French imports.Eve Ettinger, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Pokémon Horizons Netflix Pokémon is the biggest media franchise on the planet, and for good reason — it's got over 1000 cute little creatures to be friends with, some solid themes of friendship and striving to be your best, and strong character work across the franchise.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024
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Far from just being cute animals featured on internet memes, alpacas are the rising stars of the natural fibers world, boasting several highly appealing qualities such as being soft, light, and hypoallergenic, as well as odor-resistant, antimicrobial, and moisture-wicking.Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The cozy sweater features delicate pearl details along the front, oversized billowy sleeves, and a flattering V-neck design.Taylor Jean Stephan, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024
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Niki starts out in the ’50s with the artist wearing an immaculate white dress and a glistening tiara, striking delicate poses for a photographer that orders her around.Sarah Belmont, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The bowls are universal and have nice high sides that feel elegant and shapely in the hand.Laura Denby, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
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With their soft bioluminescent blue glow and sleek, modern design, the glasses stood out as both functional and elegant.Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Light accumulation on untreated surfaces may create additional slick spots and travel difficulties during the evening commute.Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 12 Dec. 2024
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Blazy’s style is synonymous with slick, sophisticated tailoring, lashings of leather and off-beat accessories — all of which feel a far cry from Chanel’s heritage quilting and bouclé.Leah Dolan, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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Users can also indicate their budget for dinner as the app works with various types of restaurants (casual, fine dining, etc.).Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
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Rather than make a clean getaway, Gabby ended up getting trapped in the netting and was left dangling by the side of the crib, completely fine but not happy.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near subtle
Cite this Entry
“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
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