SUBTLE

adj. 1 delicate, fine, refined, exquisite, nice, Archaic subtile I became aware, almost subconsciously, of the subtle odour of jasmine These subtle shades of green are so peaceful. 2 abstruse, arcane, recondite, remote, deep, profound, concealed, hidden, shadowy, nebulous, vague, obscure, veiled, thin, airy, insubstantial, elusive, faint; sophistic(al) The symbolism is so subtle as to be meaningful to the poet alone A subtle hint gave me to understand that I ought to go. 3 tricky, shrewd, cunning, wily, sly, devious, crafty, smart, clever, foxy, artful, scheming, designing, underhand(ed), deceptive, Jesuitical, Machiavellian, ingenious, skilful, strategic, insidious, casuistic, shifty, slick, slimy, Chiefly Brit smarmy You were a fool to allow that subtle serpent to insinuate himself into your confidence