Definition of nuance
1
: a subtle distinction or variation
Nuances of flavor and fragrance cannot be described accurately …— Scott Seegers … these terms have certain nuances of meaning …— Ben F. Nelms
2
: a subtle quality : nicety
… the nuances of an individual's voice …— Michael Swaine
3
: sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings (as of meaning, feeling, or value)
… a performance of remarkable pliability and nuance.— Irvine Kolodin
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share nuance
Time Traveler for nuance
The first known use of nuance was in 1781
See more words from the same year