Subtle distinctions (7)
I believe the answer is:
nuances
'subtle distinctions' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for nuances that I've seen before include "subtle shades" , "Fine shades (of meaning)" , "Subtleties" , "suggestions" , "'Subtle variations, in meaning perhaps (7)'" .)