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

Shows with women protagonists and nuanced explorations of their personal and professional lives reflect her wit, irreverence, and commitment to social justice. —Time, 17 Sep. 2025

Knowing when to trust your gut over data, how to read between the lines of feedback, and when to pivot tactics while maintaining strategic vision requires the kind of nuanced intelligence that remains human. —Charles Towers-Clark, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Start with more manageable aspects of online safety when kids are younger, like disabling direct messages and limits on screen time, and build your way towards topics that will require a nuanced understanding of social dynamics online. —Ashleigh N. Deluca, Parents, 16 Sep. 2025

The true story is more nuanced. —Scott D. Anthony, Big Think, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above