subtle

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.

Although subtle, these processes play an important role in shaping the planet's surface and atmosphere.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

"AI tools aren't 100% reliable — they can fail in subtle ways and yet operators continue to over-trust them," she told NBC News last month.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

As the sun sank, neighbors began banging spoons on metal pots from inside their homes, the subtle but unmistakable clank of government protests.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

If one looks carefully, its move could be a subtle dig at Tesla and Elon Musk.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

It was a subtle change across his face, but she’d seen enough of those to know it meant she had his attention, and her dinner.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny