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

Of course, the full scope of both of their catalogs is far more nuanced, but both rappers played into those perceptions during their beef. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 11 Feb. 2025

But in a confessional, Josh claimed his comment was more nuanced than what Natalie suggested. —Abigail Adams, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025

Indeed, the findings grow more nuanced as the study evaluates the intersectionality of identities like gender and age. —Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025

The advice is nuanced, explaining the difference between administrative warrants, court warrants and subpoenas. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above