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.

"I sort of creeped around the corner, subtly, quietly creeping and then he jumped out from behind somewhere and he was right there," the woman continues.

From BBC

The reason for doing this is that the early stages of dementia can subtly change behavior long before diagnosis.

From Science Daily

Stoschek builds her collection around what she calls “art with an afterimage,” seeking out pieces that linger in the mind, then subtly change register.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the planets subtly pulled on one another, causing small but measurable changes in their transit timing.

From Science Daily

Pratt said his concept for the memorial, titled “Warriors’ Circle of Honor”—a contemplative and subtly interactive space, focused around a circular stainless steel sculpture, mounted on a drum—came to him in a dream.

From The Wall Street Journal

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