Definition of NUANCED (original) (raw)

: having nuances : having or characterized by subtle and often appealingly complex qualities, aspects, or distinctions (as in character or tone)

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

And in this rare instance, the family-friendly franchise isn't a bland, pabulum compromise but a more inspired, nuanced alternative.—Mike Flaherty

This 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

Synonyms

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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The approach transforms what could have been sensationalist schlock into a nuanced study of trauma and grief and the emotional hold the dead still exert on the living. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024 Championing authentic and nuanced portrayals of Jews, Judaism, and Israel in the entertainment industry. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In recent years, conversation around Jenny being an antagonist to Hanks’ Forrest has taken on a more nuanced tone, as fans have noted that the nature of childhood abuse paints her personality and decisions in a more empathetic light. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 3 Nov. 2024 And Rona, the young woman at the center of this story is played, in a marvelously nuanced performance, by Saoirse Ronan. —Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuanced

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of nuanced was in 1881

Dictionary Entries Near nuanced

Cite this Entry

“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuanced. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 16 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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