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

• 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

Earlier seasons were praised for their nuanced storytelling, historical detail, and exploration of women’s roles in post-war Germany. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025

The midfield situation is far more nuanced than that. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Against that backdrop, Huang offered a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that short-term margin pressure wouldn’t be out of the question with new chips. —Paulina Likos, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025

Mamdani takes a more nuanced view. —Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above