nuanced

adjective

nu·​anced ˈnü-ˌän(t)st 

ˈnyü-;

nü-ˈän(t)st, 

nyü-

: having nuances : having or characterized by subtle and often appealingly complex qualities, aspects, or distinctions (as in character or tone)

a nuanced performance

Whenever the movie focusses on Van Doren and Goodwin and Stempel, it treats them as nuanced human beings. But other characters in the film … are sketched less fully.

—Ken Auletta

And in this rare instance, the family-friendly franchise isn't a bland, pabulum compromise but a more inspired, nuanced alternative.

—Mike Flaherty

This more psychologically nuanced self-examination requires that we honestly challenge our beliefs and summon the courage to act on that information, which may lead to fresh ways of thinking about our lives and our goals.

—Camille Sweeney and Josh Gosfield

Synonyms of nuanced

• subtle
• delicate
• nice

Examples of nuanced in a Sentence

a nuanced, shaded representation of a hot-button issue that is too often depicted in black and white

a sauce with a nuanced lemon flavor that doesn't overwhelm the taste of the fish

Recent Examples on the Web

Steve Randazzo, chief growth officer for BusPatrol, told the Sun Sentinel that the allegation of faulty ticketing was more nuanced than how it was portrayed. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026

But BandWith Chicago’s new home in East Garfield Park displays a more contemporary approach to minimalism, one that richly layers old and new elements in a compelling solution that is modest and straightforward while equally elegant and nuanced. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026

Rice’s lyrics are carefully enunciated and given nuanced line readings. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026

The authors note that this outcome is counterintuitive, as it is generally assumed that reactions accelerate when more reactants can reach the catalyst more quickly, pointing instead to a more nuanced underlying principle governing nanoscale catalysis. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above