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

What emerges from Carrère’s excavation of his mother’s past is a strikingly nuanced portrait of a brilliant, problematic scholar. — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026

The streamer is set to launch an new AI interface that will attempt to get subscribers to engage with the platform in a more detailed and nuanced way. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

Their journeys were nuanced, polarizing, messy, unmistakably Black, and relatable to everyday 20- and 30-somethings. — Stacy-Ann Ellis, VIBE.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Also, Latino conservatives hold unique, nuanced views on immigration, according to extensive polling by the Pew Research Center and the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute. — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above