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

That view has recently been challenged, though the evidence remains nuanced. —Robert M. Kaplan, STAT, 1 Jan. 2026

There’s a separate tier of more luxurious and nuanced imitation wood grains to choose from for an additional fee, ranging from a warm cedar to a richer mahogany shade, as well as imitation brick and minimalist hues such as cream and black. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Dec. 2025

North Carolina’s traffic laws can be more nuanced than many drivers realize, with common road behaviors sometimes falling into legal gray areas. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 31 Dec. 2025

The fair answer is more nuanced than the optimism suggests. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above