nuanced

American  

[noo-ahnst, nyoo-, noo-ahnst, nyoo-] / ˈnu ɑnst, ˈnyu-, nuˈɑnst, nyu- /

adjective

1. expressing or involving subtle distinctions: Life is wonderfully nuanced, textured, complicated, beautiful, and rich.

   Their opinions are always nuanced and informing.

   Life is wonderfully nuanced, textured, complicated, beautiful, and rich.

2. characterized by slight difference or variation in color, tone, flavor, etc..

   Dawn and dusk imposed softer, darker shades of nuanced, shadowed light.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of nuance.

Other Word Forms

• unnuanced adjective

Etymology

Origin of nuanced

nuanc(e) ( def. ) + -ed ³ ( def. )

Example Sentences

For Ms. Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, the Goetz case is not a nuanced tale of a scared passenger overreacting to a perceived threat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Overall, Lighton sought to be nuanced in his portrayal of the couple.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the overall figures mask a nuanced picture of cancer risk around the world.

From BBC

“These are nuanced questions, far beyond your comprehension! My social position, my financial security…” Her voice tailed off.

From Literature

Ms. Gibson’s “The Great Resistance” is a narrative history brimming with action, while Mr. Hazareesingh’s “Daring to Be Free” is a more measured and nuanced account of African resistance.

From The Wall Street Journal