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

Whatever the impetus or undertones of either campaign — whether intended, nuanced or not — Wall Street seemed to approve. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2025

However, the second quarter presented a more nuanced picture, shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting valuation trends and a changing appetite for growth versus profitability. —Benjamin Forlani, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Hunnicutt is the gray wolf coordinator for the state of California, responsible for the complicated and nuanced job of protecting a re-emerging species that was once hunted out of existence here, while also making sure that humans and livestock can live alongside them. —Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Colin Cooper, an AI and education strategist, offered a more nuanced take. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above