subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsə-tᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle

Synonyms of subtlety

• cunning
• artfulness
• subtleness

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

The subtlety and the power of what Gilroy and his star achieve here should not be undersold. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Part of lilac’s staying power may also come from its subtlety. — Jennet Jusu, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026

The hope is that Emma’s story will offer a fresh perspective on a genre that hasn’t always treated its female characters with a lot of nuance or subtlety. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026

Yee Eun Nam’s projections inject into this transient world a welcome subtlety. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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

Kids Definition

subtlety

noun

sub·​tle·​ty ˈsət-ᵊl-tē 

plural subtleties

1

: the quality or state of being subtle

2

: something subtle