Synonyms

subtly

American

[suht-l-lee, suht-lee] / ˈsʌt l li, ˈsʌt li /

adverb

in a way that is so fine or delicate as to be difficult to perceive.

The vegetables tasted subtly of the grill, but each still held its own unique flavor.
in a way that shows or requires mental penetration or discernment.

In the press, comment and analysis must be subtly distinguished from news.
in a way that shows highly refined skill; cleverly or ingeniously.

He has developed his own style of playing the whistle and subtly incorporates features that evoke other traditional instruments.
in a wily or cunning way; craftily.

Under the guise of journalistic objectivity, news programs subtly play on our emotions—chiefly on our fears.

Other Word Forms

nonsubtly adverb
oversubtly adverb
pseudosubtly adverb
unsubtly adverb

Etymology

Origin of subtly

subt(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She opens one of her dresser drawers and pulls out a pair of black leggings that glitter subtly when the light hits them the right way.

From Literature

Nicole Eun-Ju Bell’s video and projection designs subtly transpose the setting when, for instance, Umma meets up with her son at church.

From Los Angeles Times

I think “Animal House” was also subtly subversive.

From The Wall Street Journal

You might be tempted, with every faraway look in Christian Petzold’s subtly moving “Miroirs No. 3,” to hope for that soothing, enlightened release so often served as catharsis in tales of loss and healing.

From Los Angeles Times

A re-recorded Rock Lobster became a minor hit, followed by similarly danceable, subtly transgressive, B-movie party classics like Dance This Mess Around, Give Me Back My Man and Mesopotamia.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023