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.
Zhang films the turbulent yet nuanced action in dry, restrained tableaux of an elusive lyricism, a poetry that, to match Beibei’s relentless pursuits, remains just out of reach. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025 The governor, who built his national profile opposing the Republican president during his first term, has taken a more nuanced approach to Trump in recent months. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 De Noire read it in full, and she was immediately taken by the author's nuanced perspective. Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Today’s outcome may have secured Kamani’s position, but the numbers tell a more nuanced story. Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 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 2 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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