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

That nuanced domestic world was precisely what some Western funders rejected. —Essie Assibu, Variety, 3 Dec. 2025

This is a gross simplification of a series that is wildly imaginative, nuanced, patient, granularly detailed, surprising, smart and fun. —Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Because of the potential for bias, hallucination and model drift, the AHA said there is a need for a more nuanced approach to measurement and evaluation after deployment that addresses the unique factors that impact the integrity of AI devices. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025

Paltrow's Emma had a swan-like grace and beauty, proving there are numerous ways to interpret the nuanced character. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above