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 GosfieldSynonyms
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
Château Cheval Blanc Very rich, structured, nuanced and polished, and more mineral and floral than the 2022.
—Elin McCoy, Fortune Europe, 11 May 2024
But whatever the structural things still to be sorted out, this is very rich and lovely writing, nuanced and humanistic and looking at this fraught topic in a very fresh way.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2024
Emma is empathetic to her mother’s extenuating circumstances, which is refreshing to see reflected in Robin Bernheim Burger’s writing and Cosgrove’s nuanced, thoughtful performance.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 May 2024
For Markus, a 21-year-old junior, student journalism provides essential nuanced local reporting.
—TIME, 9 May 2024
This nuanced demand has given rise to facilities that blur the lines between gyms and social clubs, offering bespoke services, state-of-the-art amenities, and spaces designed to inspire and motivate.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
Carvalho said the safety dynamic is more nuanced than simply pro-police or anti-police.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2024
Their work embodies a nuanced exploration of identity within social spaces, each infusing their distinctive visual styles with a sense of authenticity and introspection.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 2 May 2024
Even more nuanced analyses hold that Indian democracy will withstand the current crisis because Indians respect diversity and pluralism, the country’s democratic institutions are strong, and recovery is inevitable.
—Ashoka Mody, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
Elin McCoy, Fortune Europe, 11 May 2024
But whatever the structural things still to be sorted out, this is very rich and lovely writing, nuanced and humanistic and looking at this fraught topic in a very fresh way.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2024
Emma is empathetic to her mother’s extenuating circumstances, which is refreshing to see reflected in Robin Bernheim Burger’s writing and Cosgrove’s nuanced, thoughtful performance.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 May 2024
For Markus, a 21-year-old junior, student journalism provides essential nuanced local reporting.
—TIME, 9 May 2024
This nuanced demand has given rise to facilities that blur the lines between gyms and social clubs, offering bespoke services, state-of-the-art amenities, and spaces designed to inspire and motivate.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
Carvalho said the safety dynamic is more nuanced than simply pro-police or anti-police.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2024
Their work embodies a nuanced exploration of identity within social spaces, each infusing their distinctive visual styles with a sense of authenticity and introspection.
—Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 2 May 2024
Even more nuanced analyses hold that Indian democracy will withstand the current crisis because Indians respect diversity and pluralism, the country’s democratic institutions are strong, and recovery is inevitable.
—Ashoka Mody, The Atlantic, 26 Apr. 2024
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.
Dictionary Entries Near nuanced
Cite this Entry
“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuanced. Accessed 16 May. 2024.
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