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

Recent Examples on the Web

Even more nuanced analyses hold that Indian democracy will withstand the current crisis because Indians respect diversity and pluralism, the country’s democratic institutions are strong, and recovery is inevitable. —Ashoka Mody, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024

Both are nuanced and complex, admirable and flawed. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2024

In a different rule released last April, officials suggested a nuanced approach to allowing trans students to play on teams consistent with their gender identity, with some exceptions. —Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024

Today, the Afro-Latina filmmaker and actress is committed to crafting fuller, more nuanced portraits. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024

Franklin offers a nuanced and generally accurate take on the alliance that brought France into the American Revolution and the 1783 Treaty of Paris that concluded the war. —Craig Bruce Smith, TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

In official economic publications, Mr. Biden’s aides take a more nuanced view of trade than Mr. Trump espouses. —Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Whether the medical community chooses to require the unnecessary clear liquid diet or the more nuanced low residue diet, colonoscopy efficacy will be compromised by patients who fail to follow instructions. —Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 6 Apr. 2024

Because of this, a team of scientists familiar with bonobos felt the species leads more nuanced lives than others give them credit for. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above