subtly

[ suht-l-lee, suht-lee ]

/ ˈsʌt l li, ˈsʌt li /

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See synonyms for subtly on Thesaurus.com

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.

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Origin of subtly

subt(le) + -ly

OTHER WORDS FROM subtly

non·sub·tly, adverbo·ver·sub·tly, adverbpseu·do·sub·tly, adverbun·sub·tly, adverb

Words nearby subtly

subtilize, subtilty, subtitle, subtle, subtlety, subtly, subtonic, subtopia, subtopic, subtorrid, subtotal

How to use subtly in a sentence

Put on a headset and nature’s own tone, thunder, is not only accompanied by soft rumbling in your ears, it also subtly rolls though your controller.
‘Bugsnax’ is charming and funny, but sapped by vexing gameplay|Harold Goldberg|November 9, 2020|Washington Post
Hopefully, developers will work it subtly into the game when it makes sense.
Video games feel different on the PlayStation 5 and that’s a good thing|Stan Horaczek|November 9, 2020|Popular-Science
Things to consider when buying wireless earbudsSome products telegraph their features with flashy designs, but the best wireless earbuds will integrate with a user’s routine so subtly that you could almost forget they’re there.
Best wireless earbuds: Five things to consider|PopSci Commerce Team|October 30, 2020|Popular-Science
The pandemic has subtly normalized the expanded use of ankle monitors around the world.
Covid-19 has led to a worrisome uptick in the use of electronic ankle monitors|Amy Nordrum|October 8, 2020|MIT Technology Review

Three months later, the WHO’s guidance has changed subtly but still only suggests airborne transmission plays a limited role.
This scientist made a Google Doc to educate the public about airborne coronavirus transmission|Niall Firth|October 2, 2020|MIT Technology Review
He subtly gestured toward the direction of the camera pointed at their house.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Infomania, they say, is more subtly crippling than physical hoarding.
I’m a Digital Hoarder|Lizzie Crocker|December 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If there were ever a Chinese company that could subtly suggest a few changes in Chinese policy, Alibaba would be it.
Alibaba’s Dark Side: Censoring Customers|Brendon Hong|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But with the 2016 presidential season on the horizon, the Texas firebrand has subtly changed his tune over the last six months.
Ted Cruz Quits Screwing With the GOP|Patricia Murphy|October 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In an effort to cope with the implications of this question, Americans have subtly but sweepingly shifted their ideals.
How Young People Are Destroying Liberty|James Poulos|October 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It must be confessed that nothing in her surroundings spoke to her more loudly or more subtly than these things.
Hilda|Sarah Jeanette Duncan
He was a born sentimentalist, and this became by no means subtly apparent to Kitty during Crozier's illness.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete|Gilbert Parker
Even the ladies of the house of the Medici did me the honor of their subtly barbed friendliness.
The Medici Boots|Pearl Norton Swet
Its wool was subtly, silky white, Color of lucent obliteration of night, Like the shimmering snow or—our Clothild's arm!
The Book of Humorous Verse|Various
The most subtly painted serpent casts ultimately its slough.
Sinister Street, vol. 1|Compton Mackenzie