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Showing results for subtle. Search instead for subtri.
Definitions

subtle

[suht-l] / ˈsʌt l /
ADJECTIVE
nice, quiet, delicate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exquisite faint indirect ingenious profound slight sophisticated understated
WEAK
attenuate attenuated deep discriminating ethereal fine finespun hairline hairsplitting illusive implied inconspicuous indistinct inferred insinuated mental penetrating refined suggestive tenuous thin
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorant stupid
WEAK
forthright hard harsh honest noisy open unsubtle
ADJECTIVE
clever, cunning
Synonyms
STRONGEST
complex detailed insidious intriguing precise shrewd skillful sly
WEAK
analytic analytical artful astute crafty deep designing devious dexterous exacting foxy guileful keen penetrating perceptive ratiocinative scheming wily
Antonyms
STRONGEST
honest open simple
WEAK
forthright hard harsh noisy unsubtle

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.

Although subtle, these processes play an important role in shaping the planet's surface and atmosphere.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

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

Cardamom carries a subtle floral note and a quiet citrus edge that sharpens the cinnamon without competing with it.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

He’s gotten a haircut since the last selfie he posted—sort of longer on top, but it’s subtle.

From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.