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

Traditional feedback methods often fail to capture a diverse workforce's nuanced experiences and concerns. —Kevin Korte, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Some Bluetooth speakers prioritize bass-heavy audio while others achieve balanced, more nuanced sound production. —Seamus Bellamy, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2025

To be sure, evaluating campuses is a nuanced process, and receiving an A or B grade does not mean the school has zero problems with antisemitism, according to the ADL. —John Towfighi, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025

This kind of tool would be a powerful model, allowing for even more control and nuanced analyses than what is currently possible in research conducted on a real brain. —New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

nuance + -ed entry 1

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above