subtle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bear markets rarely emerge without warning, not that one is necessarily at hand, but subtle signs of distribution often build quietly before becoming more pronounced.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

"AI tools aren't 100% reliable — they can fail in subtle ways and yet operators continue to over-trust them," she told NBC News last month.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The seeds also mimic the flavors of raspberry or strawberry seeds, adding a subtle yet stylish touch to their individual fruit jams.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

As the sun sank, neighbors began banging spoons on metal pots from inside their homes, the subtle but unmistakable clank of government protests.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

But as the days passed I began to discover a subtle danger.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom