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
Both films received praise for Dimri’s nuanced performances, establishing her as a talented actor capable of handling complex, emotionally demanding roles.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 July 2024
Some are more nuanced, such as flight crew rest limitations.
—Sheldon H. Jacobson, The Mercury News, 20 July 2024
Its cast, led by Robert Duvall, Elijah Wood, and Morgan Freeman, is top-notch, the plot quite detailed and nuanced for a blockbuster disaster movie, and the special effects hold up.
—James Grebey, TIME, 19 July 2024
The result is a work of art in its own right that is rich and layered, nuanced and complex.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for nuanced 
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 July 2024
Some are more nuanced, such as flight crew rest limitations.
—Sheldon H. Jacobson, The Mercury News, 20 July 2024
Its cast, led by Robert Duvall, Elijah Wood, and Morgan Freeman, is top-notch, the plot quite detailed and nuanced for a blockbuster disaster movie, and the special effects hold up.
—James Grebey, TIME, 19 July 2024
The result is a work of art in its own right that is rich and layered, nuanced and complex.
—Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 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.
Dictionary Entries Near nuanced
Cite this Entry
“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuanced. Accessed 1 Aug. 2024.
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