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
In fact, the sketch was even more nuanced than non-Spanish-speaking SNL viewers could know, in part because of the live show’s limitations.
—Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 18 May 2025
So the claim that teachers resist different approaches to school choice does not reflect this more nuanced reality.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The performance of its Specialist Watchmakers division, which features Piaget and Roger Dubuis, paints a more nuanced picture.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Young offers a more nuanced view, revealing Valland’s private life outside the Jeu de Paume.
—Nina Siegal, New York Times, 17 May 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.
Paula Mejía, The Atlantic, 18 May 2025
So the claim that teachers resist different approaches to school choice does not reflect this more nuanced reality.
—Bruno V. Manno, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The performance of its Specialist Watchmakers division, which features Piaget and Roger Dubuis, paints a more nuanced picture.
—Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Young offers a more nuanced view, revealing Valland’s private life outside the Jeu de Paume.
—Nina Siegal, New York Times, 17 May 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 28 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share