nuanced

adjective

nu·​anced ˈnü-ˌän(t)st How to pronounce nuanced (audio)
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

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
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.
The finish is structured, nuanced, and well-balanced, with each element slowly fading away gracefully. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024 Through Elwood’s and Turner’s eyes, in scenes that unfold in long and complex takes, the movie offers a formidable fullness of incident, intimately physical detail, and finely nuanced observations. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024 The proactive toolkit, developed by La Trobe University for around 300,000 public sector workers in the state of Victoria, aims to dispel misconceptions around neurodiversity and develop nuanced ways to work with employees in a way that benefits both individuals and the business. New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024 This novel intercuts past and present, keeping the suspense at a fever pitch amid nuanced portraits of the out-of-touch Van Laars, their hangers-on and the locals who both depend on and resent them. Rachel Flynn, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuanced 

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nuanced was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near nuanced

Cite this Entry

“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuanced. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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