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

The approach transforms what could have been sensationalist schlock into a nuanced study of trauma and grief and the emotional hold the dead still exert on the living. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024

Championing authentic and nuanced portrayals of Jews, Judaism, and Israel in the entertainment industry. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

In recent years, conversation around Jenny being an antagonist to Hanks’ Forrest has taken on a more nuanced tone, as fans have noted that the nature of childhood abuse paints her personality and decisions in a more empathetic light. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024

And Rona, the young woman at the center of this story is played, in a marvelously nuanced performance, by Saoirse Ronan. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above