nominal crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "nominal," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "nominal crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MERE: Signifying something that is "nothing more than" or "only a small amount," often fitting the "in name only" or "trifling" sense of nominal.
5 Letters
TOKEN: Relating to something done as a symbol or a small gesture, rather than with real significance or substance, aligning with 'nominal' meaning 'in name only'.
6 Letters
SLIGHT: Suggesting a very small amount, degree, or extent, often used when "nominal" implies 'negligible' or 'minimal'.
7 Letters
TITULAR: Directly means "existing in name only," particularly for a position or title, perfectly capturing a core meaning of "nominal."
More About "nominal crossword clue"
The term "nominal" frequently appears in crosswords, and understanding its various nuances is key to cracking the clue. At its core, "nominal" can mean "in name only," implying something that exists as a title or a formality but lacks real power or substance. This is particularly common in clues referring to roles or positions.
Another common interpretation of "nominal" in crosswords is "very small" or "trifling." In this context, it refers to an amount, value, or degree that is so insignificant as to be almost zero. Examples might include a "nominal fee" or "nominal effort." Crossword setters love words with multiple distinct meanings, and "nominal" is a prime example, often testing your ability to distinguish between these senses based on context.
When encountering "nominal" in a crossword, always consider both its "in name only" and "very small" definitions. The length of the required answer, alongside any other words in the clue, will usually guide you to the correct interpretation and solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial hint. If a clue like "nominal" could have multiple meanings, the length often narrows it down to the correct synonym.
- Consider Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, solving an intersecting word can give you a crucial letter, which then helps you deduce the answer to "nominal" by fitting possible solutions.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: For a word like "nominal," mentally list all possible synonyms for both its "in name only" and "very small" definitions. This mental brainstorm often surfaces the correct answer.
- Look for Common Crossword Indicators: Pay attention to phrases in the clue that might indicate a specific type of answer, such as abbreviations, foreign words, or specific fields of knowledge. While "nominal" itself is straightforward, other parts of the clue can be tricky.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "nominal" typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, "nominal" often points to answers related to something being "in name only," "very small," "trifling," or "symbolic" rather than substantial or real. Common synonyms include "titular," "mere," "token," or "slight."
How can I identify if "nominal" means 'in name only' or 'very small' in a clue?
Look for accompanying words in the clue. Phrases like "in title," "theoretical," or "as a formality" lean towards "in name only" (e.g., TITULAR). Words like "trifling," "minimal," or "insignificant" suggest "very small" (e.g., MERE, SLIGHT). The number of letters required for the answer is also a key indicator.
Are there any common tricks associated with the clue "nominal"?
Sometimes "nominal" might be used to trick you into thinking of "name" (as in, a noun), but in crosswords, it almost always refers to the adjective meaning 'in name only' or 'trifling'. Also, be aware of British vs. American English nuances, although for "nominal" the core meanings are usually consistent.