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 The Owyhee Basin Stewardship Coalition has a more nuanced perspective. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2024 Looking back, the actor is particularly proud of how The Good Doctor has portrayed Shaun’s autism in a nuanced, respectful way. Jp Mangalindan, Peoplemag, 21 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuanced 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuanced.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 29 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!