Meaning & use

subtle

adjective·Academic

So delicate or precise as to be difficult to detect or describe; not obvious.

See it in a sentence

There was a subtle change in her tone that suggested she wasn't telling the whole story.

The dish had a subtle hint of ginger that didn't overpower the other flavors.

A note on using this word

Subtle has a silent "b" and is often paired with senses like taste, tone, or change to describe something noticeable only on close attention.

Words with a similar meaning

nuancedfaintdelicate

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

obviousblatant

Make it your own

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