subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
Synonyms of subtlety
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

Synonyms of subtlety

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Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

The pianist performed with subtlety and passion. 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Debicki slips into the villain role with a nice subtlety that doesn’t hit us in the head with her evil plan to make The Fisherwoman regret ever conjuring up this dreamboat. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 The Concept 7 Protection’s subtlety is a result of it being designed to provide security while moving quietly through the regular world, as opposed to an active war zone. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026 One of my personal highlights was the Dries Van Noten show, which demonstrated a particularly sophisticated approach to color, combining richness, subtlety and emotion. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The subtlety and the power of what Gilroy and his star achieve here should not be undersold. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtlety

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sotilte, subtilte, from Anglo-French sotilté, from Latin subtilitat-, subtilitas, from subtilis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtlety was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

subtle
subtlety
subtly
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Cite this Entry

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subtlety

noun
sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle
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