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
Ken AulettaAnd in this rare instance, the family-friendly franchise isn't a bland, pabulum compromise but a more inspired, nuanced alternative.—Mike Flaherty
Mike FlahertyThis 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
Camille Sweeney and Josh GosfieldExamples 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
In the film, Hargitay grapples not only with the loss of her mom, but also a deeply nuanced family history full of secrets.
—Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
But beyond these quintessential Mexican comforts sits the inventive, nuanced fare from La Dama, a party-with-polish treasure inspired by chef-owner Emmanuel Corona's upbringing in the country’s southern and central regions.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Thune, due to the Senate filibuster, has been forced to take a more nuanced approach, using a combination of political pressure and genuine outreach.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
Swing states, which were decisive in the 2024 election, show a more nuanced picture.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nuanced
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Alex Ross, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
But beyond these quintessential Mexican comforts sits the inventive, nuanced fare from La Dama, a party-with-polish treasure inspired by chef-owner Emmanuel Corona's upbringing in the country’s southern and central regions.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Thune, due to the Senate filibuster, has been forced to take a more nuanced approach, using a combination of political pressure and genuine outreach.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 21 Oct. 2025
Swing states, which were decisive in the 2024 election, show a more nuanced picture.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nuanced
Cite this Entry
“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuanced. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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