nuanced

adjective

ˈnü-ˌän(t)st How to pronounce nuanced (audio)
Definition of nuancednext
1
as in subtle
made or done with extreme care and accuracy a nuanced, shaded representation of a hot-button issue that is too often depicted in black and white

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in exquisite
satisfying or pleasing because of fineness or mildness a sauce with a nuanced lemon flavor that doesn't overwhelm the taste of the fish

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of nuanced But often, this image of King as the singular hero of the civil rights movement has come at the expense of other stories, and of a more nuanced portrait of the struggle. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 Dark and atmospheric, yet restrained and sophisticated, as Dunn-Edwards describes it, this hue represents a clear shift in design toward depth, personality, and nuanced warmth for both contemporary and traditional styles. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 Oct. 2026 While Eisenman’s works are funny at first glance, a nuanced narrative, interweaving the personal and political, can usually be teased out of them. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026 Looking ahead to her next projects, Kedia is excited to push her craft forward and tell stories from perspectives that deserve more nuanced representation. — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuanced
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuanced
  1. subtle
  2. exquisite
  3. delicate
  4. elegant
  5. nice
Adjective
  • Poindexter featured his three daughters in his first campaign advertisement for the general election, taking a subtle dig at Miller.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Later still, we are introduced to Satoko Iijima (Ishida), who again shares many defining features with her two namesakes, albeit with just enough subtle differences to keep the audience on the back foot.
    — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of subtle
Adjective
  • Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
  • While the food was exquisite, watching the green light blink in the distance was possibly my favorite part.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of exquisite
Adjective
  • Try a cider flight to experience several of Seminary Hill’s delicate and impressive ciders which range from semi-dry to dry and from still to sparkling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • But Democrats don’t have to share the spotlight with the president, so their balancing acts are not as delicate as those confronting their Republican opponents.
    — Julio Borquez, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of delicate
Adjective
  • The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of elegant
Adjective
  • Also, a foul ball hit by almost any player would be a nice souvenir.
    — Scott Simon, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Sure enough, there were a few hares in the field and the grass was just long enough to give a bit of protection to the hares and set a nice backdrop for the photographs.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of nice

Browse Nearby Words

nuance
nuanced
nub
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Cite this Entry

“Nuanced.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuanced. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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