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
Choosing the right one can make the difference between a balanced, nuanced drink and one that falls flat.
—Emily Price, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Parents, not lawmakers, should determine when their children tackle nuanced topics.
—Justin Kuk, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Industry leaders from across Asia offer nuanced perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Asian film market.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
So Brook, though less nuanced in her delivery, had the stronger vocal.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nuanced
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Emily Price, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Parents, not lawmakers, should determine when their children tackle nuanced topics.
—Justin Kuk, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2025
Industry leaders from across Asia offer nuanced perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Asian film market.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025
So Brook, though less nuanced in her delivery, had the stronger vocal.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 17 Mar. 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 22 Mar. 2025.
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