What does subtle distinction nyt mean?

[Winter]

I’m struggling with a nuanced clue in the puzzle. The clue reads subtle distinction nyt. I tried words meaning small differences. None of them fit the letter pattern. The clue feels abstract and precise. Can someone explain or solve subtle distinction nyt?

 

[Avika]

Subtle distinction is typically used in NYT crossword in the context of a narrow difference, a minor, subtle contrast that is not intuitive. Some of the typical responses are nuance, shade, fine line, or hairline, depending on the number of letters in the puzzle.

 

[Gdinscecar]

Subtle distinction” in NYT means a small but important difference between two similar ideas that isn’t immediately obvious.

 

[Arthur]

In the NYT crossword, “subtle distinction” most commonly means “nuance.”
It refers to a small, delicate difference in meaning, feeling, or detail that isn’t obvious at first glance.