SUBTLE Synonyms: 189 Similar and Opposite Words

subtle

adjective

ˈsə-tᵊl

Definition of subtle

as in exquisite

satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a subtle suggestion of the Near East in the soup's flavoring

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in shrewd

clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means used subtle methods of persuasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in delicate

made or done with extreme care and accuracy the subtle strokes of the painter's brush

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of subtle The women wore maroon unitards with subtle puffed sleeves, while Danchig-Waring’s tank unitard featured two faces in profile, each hugging a side of his waist. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 The result is a wash of color that can act as a subtle lip contour on its own or as a base underneath lipstick or gloss. — Sheryl George, Allure, 20 Oct. 2026 There are subtle visible differences, like her hairline, nose and fingernails. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026 There is also custom furniture by Aston Martin dotted throughout, giving another subtle nod to the nameplate. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subtle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subtle

Adjective

Maybe no scene better embodies Lee’s exquisite communion with his characters than his last one, which supplies them with a hint of grace.

— Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
From the lobby to the guest rooms, there’s an exquisite attention to detail with fine finishes, appealing textures, and a color palette carefully chosen to evoke the refined spirit of Milan.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of exquisite

Adjective

Magpies are opportunistic scavengers, incredibly cunning and deceitful and capable of calculated deception.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
Last week, Alan Cumming’s cunning competition empire The Traitors unsheathed its most diabolical twist yet.

— Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of cunning

Adjective

Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
In Shanghai, a look that defines the cultural moment is quickly emerging, with delicate fabrics and softer silhouettes channeling Chloé’s 1970s bohemian chic taking the lead.

— Denni Hu, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of delicate

Adjective

Walid Itayim plays a free and funky guitar solo over Sami Shabshab’s slick bassline, but the lyrics pierce straight through the upbeat tune.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
And belief isn’t manufactured by marketing departments, slick hype videos or breathless preseason predictions.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of slick

Adjective

Miami did a relatively fine job in Weeks 2 and 3 against some of the most talented backs in Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers and Kenneth Walker of the Chiefs but slipped up the two games prior to the bye against the Vikings and Bengals.

— David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
Mario Prada sourced fine leathers, silver, silk and crystal from Europe and beyond and these are on public display in Milan for the first time.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of fine

Adjective

But several Theranos staffers and journalists say Holmes was frequently deceptive and would lie repeatedly, especially when confronted with facts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
California and Hawaii, for example, are two states that have banned sharing deceptive AI content about candidates in the months around an election.

— Jordi Calvet-Bademunt, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of deceptive

Adjective

Undoubtedly, the biggest blow was the announcement that the kingdom is postponing its flagship investment conference, the Future Investment Initiative, until next year, although no exact date has been set.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
His work is crisp, playful, and nostalgic, replicating the exact fonts and presentations of centuries-old stylings for businesses and public parks alike.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of exact

Browse Nearby Words

subtitles

subtle

subtleness

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Style

“Subtle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subtle. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of subtle

adjective

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