subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: 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.
Trump, by contrast, doesn’t seem to have any interest in precedence or subtlety. Andy Meek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 But devastation is only the culmination, and not the entirety, of Ruth’s journey, and Chalfant’s performance, for all its exquisite subtlety, is also furiously alive. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 June 2025 After the music came a promo video of remarkable subtlety and grace. Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 15 June 2025 Even amid the more boisterous parts of the track, the speakers pick out the subtleties. PC Magazine, 27 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subtlety.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtlety. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun
sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē How to pronounce subtlety (audio)
plural subtleties
1
: the quality or state of being subtle
2
: something subtle

More from Merriam-Webster on subtlety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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