nuance

noun

Definition of nuancenext
1
as in distinction
as in subtlety They studied every nuance conveyed in the painting.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in sensitivity
as in insight She had the nuance to express delicate feelings without being melodramatic.

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of nuance But there are a few nuances that may steer you toward one card over another. — Ryley Amond,brett Holzhauer, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026 But there is nuance involving the level of availability for the rest of the roster. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026 Their program is then tailored accordingly, while factoring in nuances up to scheme changes. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 July 2026 In this week’s magazine, Story Hinckley explores the nuances that exist alongside that common ground. — Stephanie Hanes, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuance
  1. distinction
  2. sensitivity
  3. subtlety
  4. insight
Noun
  • The recent disclosures illustrate how quickly those distinctions can become politically significant.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Canyon Crest Academy La Jolla comes off its first San Diego Section Open Division championship, while Cathedral Catholic holds the distinction of becoming the first San Diego Section school to reach the Southern California Regional Division 1 final.
    — Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • But researchers told me that the qualities women now value more than ever—sensitivity, openness, communication skills—are not typically ingrained in men from childhood.
    — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026
  • As for headlight alignment, the higher intensities and contrasts of LED lights mean greater sensitivity to misalignment than halogen lights.
    — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • The subtlety and strength on show in those few seconds should not be taken for granted.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • This subtlety may have legal relevance for grantees planning to sue the administration, said Lauren Adams, a spokesperson for AcademyHealth.
    — Arthur Allen, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of subtlety
Noun
  • Together, Clancy’s vocal, physical and written messages offered key insights into her perspective in the second week of her trial on three counts of murder in the killings of her children Cora, 5; Dawson, 3; and Callan, 8 months.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • This information extends beyond mere fairness, offering crucial insights into career trajectory, market value, and essential skill development.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of insight

Browse Nearby Words

nth
nuance
nuanced
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Nuance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuance. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on nuance

Nglish: Translation of nuance for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of anecdote

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All