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
Here’s how to understand this nuanced public health issue.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger, who stepped into the role of Bill Clinton just three days before opening night, gives a wonderfully nuanced performance as the former president, whose philandering helped create the steely woman Hillary has become.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Trump's obsession with the world’s largest island brought global attention to the nuanced relationship between Denmark and its semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Looking ahead, some in the French industry see growing demand for a strong and stable French documentary industry – especially in the U.S., where political shifts could jeopardize access to nuanced, critical storytelling.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
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Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 9 Apr. 2025
Geoffrey Ulysses Geissinger, who stepped into the role of Bill Clinton just three days before opening night, gives a wonderfully nuanced performance as the former president, whose philandering helped create the steely woman Hillary has become.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Trump's obsession with the world’s largest island brought global attention to the nuanced relationship between Denmark and its semi-autonomous Arctic territory.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Looking ahead, some in the French industry see growing demand for a strong and stable French documentary industry – especially in the U.S., where political shifts could jeopardize access to nuanced, critical storytelling.
—Lise Pedersen, Variety, 7 Apr. 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 15 Apr. 2025.
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