What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Subtle vs Ambiguous - What's the difference?

subtle | ambiguous |

As adjectives the difference between subtle and ambiguous

is that subtle is hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable while ambiguous is open to multiple interpretations.

subtle

English

Alternative forms

* subtil (obsolete) * subtile (obsolete)

Adjective

(er)
  • Hard to grasp; not obvious or easily understood; barely noticeable.
    • The difference is subtle , but you can hear it if you listen carefully.
  • (of a thing) Cleverly contrived.
  • (of a person or animal) Cunning, skillful.
  • insidious
  • * 1623 , , act iv, scene 4,
    • Thy age confirmed, proud, subtle , bloody, treacherous.
  • Tenuous; rarefied; of low density or thin consistency.

    • Synonyms

    * crafty, cunning, skillful * (insidious) insidious

    Antonyms

    * (hard to grasp) simple

    Derived terms

    * subtle body * subtleness * subtlety * subtly

    References

    * * *

    Anagrams

    * * * *

    ambiguous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Open to multiple interpretations.
    • The politician was criticized for his ambiguous statements and lack of precision.
  • Vague and unclear.
    • He gave an ambiguous answer.
  • (obsolete, of persons) Hesitant; uncertain; not taking sides.
  • * 1662 (Thomas Salusbury)
    • And forasmuch as in this same question I am ambiguous , and Simplicius is resolute....

    Synonyms

    * equivocal

    Antonyms

    * unambiguous * precise

    Related terms

    * ambiguity * ambiguate * ambiguation * disambiguation

    See also

    * contradictory * mistakable * confusing

    External links

    * *

    References

    *