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

But on Rumours, Light observes, its multiple songwriting perspectives offer something richer and far more nuanced than single-voice confessions like Jagged Little Pill, Back to Black, or 21. —Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

These developments are often complicated, technical and nuanced; they can also be based on investigative reports and court documents that sometimes run more than 100 pages and are full of detail. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Nov. 2025

Rami Malek has incredible range and a more nuanced film charting his descent into a pariah and Cassandra figure deserved so much more. —NPR, 11 Nov. 2025

This audacious and nuanced book explores how the Church has repeatedly invented and reinvented itself through a constant back-and-forth between narratives of the Middle Ages and modernity. —Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above