subtlety

noun

sub·tle·ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē

plural subtleties

Synonyms of subtlety

: the quality or state of being subtle

: something subtle

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.

They’re just executed here with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer. — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 That the film mostly pulls this off is testament to its formal precision and to a central pairing of actors, in Lavernhe and Lottin, who manage to find subtlety where broad strokes would seem to be called for. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 In a town where every detail is scrutinized, any rebellion requires subtlety. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026 The subtlety and strength on show in those few seconds should not be taken for granted. — Art De Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

subtle

subtlety

subtly

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun

sub·tle·ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē

plural subtleties

: the quality or state of being subtle

: something subtle

subtlety

noun

Synonyms of subtlety

Examples of subtlety in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes