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.

"Human eyes and brains are highly sensitive to subtle changes in colour, texture, and other surface characteristics," it says.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Cardamom carries a subtle floral note and a quiet citrus edge that sharpens the cinnamon without competing with it.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 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

The body was still mostly Penelope’s, but she could see bits of Clara coming to the surface, subtle changes that made Ophie’s stomach turn.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland