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 at Semafor’s The Next 3 Billion summit in New York this week, the recurring theme was more nuanced. — Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 23 Sep. 2026

While Talarico and Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, have been outspoken in their desire to rein in data center development, both are taking a nuanced position. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

Both bring important, complementary perspectives that help organizations navigate nuanced messaging and communicate responsibly, in a way that feels credible to employees and consistent with the culture. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The more nuanced reality On the other hand, the debate reflects a clash between the medical and cultural frameworks used to make sense of addiction, Das said. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above