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

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

But the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report offers a more nuanced picture. —Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Sweetener is by far her most nuanced record emotionally and sonically, and as the years have gone by, it’s become one of her most significant in the context of her life. —Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025

But across the country, in red and blue states, local efforts tell a more nuanced and hopeful story. —Cara Buckley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

Adam, on the other hand, was able to twirl his warm twang around notes in such a way that even the edges of them felt nuanced and thought out. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above