easy
The painting had a subtle change in color.
What does Subtle mean?
hard to notice at first.
Dictionary definition
Small or not obvious at first, but still meaningful.
Example sentences
Subtle in a sentence
medium
A subtle clue can be easy to miss.
hard
The author used subtle details to reveal the character’s true feelings.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice subtle in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Subtle
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does subtle mean?
Subtle means hard to notice at first.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to subtle?
Slight is close in meaning to subtle in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast for subtle?
Obvious contrasts with subtle in this context.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Subtle
Voice settings
Sounds like
sut · uhl · strongest beat: sut
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSubtle.
Partadjective.
MeaningSubtle means hard to notice at first.
ExampleExample: The painting had a subtle change in color.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- sut · uhl
- Strongest beat
- sut
- Ending
- uhl
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on sut.
Your turn
Say Subtle
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Nice work—you practiced subtle.
Synonyms
Words like Subtle
Antonyms
Opposite words
obviousContrasts with subtle in the meaning hard to notice at first.
clearContrasts with subtle in the meaning hard to notice at first.
noticeableContrasts with subtle in the meaning hard to notice at first.
Synonym practice
Want to practice subtle synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The joke was subtle, so only a few people noticed it at first," then compare close word choices. Practice subtle synonyms.
Word family
Subtle word family
Base word
subtle
adverb
subtlely
In this manner (when used).
noun
subtleness
State or quality (when used).
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Subtle
Hint for students
hard to notice at first.
Common mix-up
Subtle is not the same as obvious. Subtle means hard to notice at first.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: A subtle clue can be easy to miss. Clue words: clue, easy, miss. Underline clue words that show why subtle fits instead of obvious. Now write one new sentence that shows subtle without using the word subtle. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show subtle?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "A subtle clue can be easy to miss." Why does subtle fit better than obvious?
Learning activities
Practice Subtle and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice SUBTLE” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice SUBTLE
Sentence Builder
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