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
There are even more nuanced Chinese dishes, like dan dan noodles and wonton in chili oil highlighting southwestern flavors of Sichuan, beef noodles from the western province of Xi’an, and dim sum from the Guangdong region.
—Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Although the Vatican doesn't really do Hollywood, as USA TODAY writes, the filmmakers were still able to capture the nuanced details of the conclave, from elaborate clothing to Latinate voting oaths.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Their flavors are varied and nuanced, depending on the type of fig.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
But a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture that highlights growing opportunities for homebuyers across the region.
—Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for nuanced
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.
Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Although the Vatican doesn't really do Hollywood, as USA TODAY writes, the filmmakers were still able to capture the nuanced details of the conclave, from elaborate clothing to Latinate voting oaths.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Their flavors are varied and nuanced, depending on the type of fig.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 2 July 2025
But a closer look reveals a more nuanced picture that highlights growing opportunities for homebuyers across the region.
—Collyn Wainwright, The Tennessean, 2 July 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 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share