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Definition of nuance

nuance

/ˈnuː.ɑːns/
nu · ance
Plural:nuances
•
Adjective:nuanced
•
Past Simple:nuanced
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Past Participle:nuanced
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Present Participle:nuancing
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nuance Lexical Profile

nuance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A subtle distinction or variation in meaning, expression, feeling, sound, or color.

Example

"A skilled translator must capture every subtle nuance of the original text."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To give subtle distinctions, shades of meaning, or delicate variations to (an argument, performance, or expression).

Example

"The historian sought to nuance the traditional narrative by examining primary sources from ordinary citizens."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

nth
nu
nu river
nuance
nuanced
nub
nubbin

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from French nuance ('shade, subtlety'), from the verb nuer ('to shade'), which derives from Middle French nue ('cloud') and ultimately from Latin nubes ('cloud').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nuance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nuance
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