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

• delicate
• exact
• fine
• finespun
• hairline
• hairsplitting
• minute
• nice
• refined
• subtle

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

His contemplative, emotionally nuanced storytelling has established him as a significant voice in contemporary Japanese cinema. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 May 2025

This area of the world constitutes a wide swath of cultures and regions with varied and nuanced cuisines. —Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 May 2025

Other analysts take a more nuanced view, painting the party as a coalition of broadly right-wing ideological factions. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 2 May 2025

These assumptions often surface in health or lifestyle advice, where responses often lean on stereotypes rather than personalized guidance, such as offering generalized recommendations for people over 50 instead of a more nuanced approach. —Diana Spehar, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above