nuance

noun

Definition of nuancenext
1
as in distinction
as in subtlety They studied every nuance conveyed in the painting.

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2
as in sensitivity
as in insight She had the nuance to express delicate feelings without being melodramatic.

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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 nuance Providing better support Research shows that people who better understand nuances of trauma and mental health in turn are more empathetic toward survivors. — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 Growing up in New York City as the child of a fine jewelry manufacturer, Satloff spent his formative years in iconic department stores such as Nordstrom and Bergdorf Goodman, absorbing the nuances of luxury client relationships. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026 Sandy, apparently blind to the interpersonal nuances ailing the deck team, keeps Aesha on deck, Kayley as acting chief stew, and makes Joe acting bosun for the charter. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026 Washington’s preoccupation with its own domestic politics, inattention to the region’s nuances, and inflated fears of Chinese and Russian advances all made the United States an easy mark for manipulative local powers. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nuance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuance
  1. distinction
  2. sensitivity
  3. subtlety
  4. insight
Noun
  • Corruption talk blurs the distinctions between these three distinct things.
    — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
  • For Leo, that distinction comes from making the highly recognizable papal wardrobe part of his own public style.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinction
Noun
  • Nonetheless, no agreements have been reached yet, partly because of the complexities of the issues surrounding AI, as well as sensitivities around how Hollywood talent and unions would react, the sources said.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Besides a wide-field infrared camera that matches Hubble’s sensitivity but is 1,000 times faster, Roman holds an instrument to block out starlight.
    — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of sensitivity
Noun
  • They’re just executed here with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.
    — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • That the film mostly pulls this off is testament to its formal precision and to a central pairing of actors, in Lavernhe and Lottin, who manage to find subtlety where broad strokes would seem to be called for.
    — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of subtlety
Noun
  • Long before mindfulness became a defining element of luxury hospitality, Miraval Arizona was there with insights and solutions.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Visiting people in their communities and gaining firsthand insight into Norway’s diverse realities became a fundamental part of their work.
    — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of insight

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nth
nuance
nuanced
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Cite this Entry

“Nuance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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