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

Featuring women at the intersections of gender, age, disability, and disease, Pinjar is a nuanced illustration of this. —JSTOR Daily, 30 Oct. 2025

There’s also a myth that implants can lead to breast cancer, which is more nuanced. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Oct. 2025

The role is loaded with range, each moment pushing a specific, nuanced emotional demand. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

Taking a more nuanced view, Secretary Wright has articulated that many wind projects have relied on public subsidies from the Biden era to be completed. —Yaël Ossowski, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above