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- pronunciation:
- suh
t
 l
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective)
| part of speech: |
adjective |
| inflections: |
subtler, subtlest |
| definition 1: |
difficult to detect or define; elusive or ambiguous.
There was subtle change in her son's attitude that only she noticed.He likes a subtle flavor of garlic in food, but he doesn't care for garlic when it's overpowering.- synonyms:
- elusive, fine
- antonyms:
- broad, dominant, dramatic, obvious, startling, unsubtle
- similar words:
- ambiguous, delicate, imperceptible, light, nice, soft
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| definition 2: |
causing delicate effects, or able to make fine distinctions.
a subtle colora subtle interpretation- synonyms:
- delicate, discriminating
- antonyms:
- startling, unsubtle
- similar words:
- fine, muted, nice, refined, soft
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| definition 3: |
characterized by or requiring skill, ingenuity, or discernment.
a subtle wita subtle strategy- synonyms:
- astute, delicate, fine, keen
- antonyms:
- blunt, unsubtle
- similar words:
- deft, discerning, discriminating, ingenious, nice, refined, sharp, sophisticated
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| definition 4: |
cunning, sly, or insidious.
a subtle tempter- synonyms:
- artful, crafty, cunning, foxy, wily
- antonyms:
- unsubtle
- similar words:
- designing, devious, indirect, insidious, shifty, slick, sly, tricky, underhanded
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| related words: |
artful, foxy, keen, mellow, pale, sensitive, smart, soft, tasteful, thoughtful, wily |
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| derivations: |
subtly (adv.), subtleness (n.) |
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