"Word ear" has a few synonyms that you can use to describe someone who is good at picking up on subtle or complex meanings of words. One synonym is "lexophile," which refers to someone who loves words and enjoys playing with language. Another synonym is "logophile," which emphasizes the love of words rather than just the ability to understand them. "Linguaphile" is another similar word that describes someone who is passionate about language and words. Someone who is skilled at picking up on hidden meanings might also be described as "perceptive" or "intuitive" when it comes to language. Overall, there are many words that can be used to describe someone who has a talent for understanding the nuances of language and words.