subtle

Fetched 2026-10-27 (live).

Synonyms: subtly, subtile, suttle

Antonyms: subtly, subtile, suttle

Related words from Datamuse; suggestions, not definitions.

Adjective

1. Senses relating to tangible things. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive. Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined. Slender, thin. Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small. Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.
2. Of an action or movement: very delicate or slight, and thus barely noticeable; not obvious; inconspicuous, unintrusive.
3. Having a delicate or fine substance or texture; hence, exquisite, refined.
4. Slender, thin.
5. Of a substance: finely powdered; also, of particles of a substance: very fine or small.
6. Of weight: after the tare (“weight of an empty container”) has been subtracted; net.
7. Of a substance, especially a gas or liquid: of low density or thin consistency; rarefied, tenuous; hence, tending to spread everywhere due to this quality.
8. Synonym of subtile (“of a ship: narrow, slender”).
9. Senses relating to intangible things. Of an argument or concept, words, etc.: requiring one to distinguish between fine points, especially if it is difficult to do so; nice; also , difficult to grasp; not easily understood or obvious.
   • The difference between the tones is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
   • subtle body
   • subtle plane
10. Of an argument or concept, words, etc.: requiring one to distinguish between fine points, especially if it is difficult to do so; nice; also , difficult to grasp; not easily understood or obvious.
11. Giving only a slight impression; elusive, indistinct; also, skilfully restrained or understated.
    • The difference between the tones is subtle, but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
12. Of an artist, a musician, etc.: having a light touch; sensitive.
13. Of a person: sensitive to the feelings of others; discreet, tactful.
14. Of a person, their intellect or mind, etc.: discerning, perceptive, shrewd, wise.
15. Acting (especially causing harm) in a stealthy, often gradual, manner; insidious.
16. Intermediate between the bodily and the spiritual
    • subtle body
    • subtle plane
17. Of a person or their fingers or hands, their ability, etc.: dexterous, skilful.
18. Of a person or animal, or of an action or words: clever or skilful in a crafty or devious way; cunning, sly, wily.
19. Of ground used for bowling: not smooth; uneven.
20. Of an object: cleverly contrived or made; also, of a plan, etc.: cleverly contrived or carried out.

Noun

1. People or things that are subtle (adjective sense) as a class.

Verb

1. To make (something) subtle (“giving only a slight impression; also, skilfully restrained or understated”).
2. To burn (someone or something) to ash.

Source: Wiktionary · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wiktionary) · cached copy, not a rewrite.