sanction crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "sanction crossword" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful insights.
Solutions for "sanction crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAN: To officially forbid or prohibit something, fitting the 'prohibition' sense of sanction.
5 Letters
ALLOW: To permit or let something happen, an alternative for the 'approval' meaning of sanction.
6 Letters
PERMIT: To give authorization or consent for something to happen, aligning with the 'approval' meaning.
PUNISH: To exact a penalty on someone for an offense, fitting the 'punishment' sense of sanction.
7 Letters
APPROVE: To officially agree to or accept as satisfactory, similar to giving official permission or consent.
PENALTY: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract, aligning with the 'punishment' aspect of sanction.
CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of someone or something, especially in a formal statement, which relates to the punitive or disapproving sense of sanction.
More About "sanction crossword"
The word "sanction" is a fascinating and often challenging clue in the world of crosswords due to its nature as a contronym. A contronym (or auto-antonym) is a word that is its own opposite, meaning it can have two contradictory definitions. In the case of "sanction," it can mean both to give official permission or approval (e.g., "The government sanctioned the new building project") and to impose a penalty for disobedience or a breach of law (e.g., "Economic sanctions were placed on the country").
This dual meaning is precisely what makes "sanction" a favourite among crossword setters. It forces solvers to consider context, letter count, and intersecting words very carefully. When you encounter "sanction" as a clue, your first thought should be: "Is the setter looking for a word meaning 'permission' or 'punishment'?" Common answers often include 'BAN', 'PERMIT', 'APPROVE', or 'PENALTY', each aligning with one of its two primary senses.
Understanding the nuances of such words not only helps in solving current puzzles but also builds a stronger foundation for tackling future ones. Always be prepared for words that can trick you with their multiple, sometimes opposing, meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters Carefully: Before guessing, always check the exact number of letters required. This is the quickest way to narrow down the possible meanings of a contronym like "sanction." For example, if it's a 3-letter word, 'BAN' is a strong candidate for the "punishment" meaning, while 'ALLOW' might fit for 5 letters if it's "permission."
- Use Intersecting Clues: Never rely on just one clue. If you have an answer for "sanction" in mind, see if its letters fit with the answers for the crossing clues. This cross-referencing is crucial for verifying your solutions and resolving ambiguity.
- Consider the Puzzle's Theme or Tone: Sometimes, the overall theme or tone of the crossword puzzle can hint at whether a "sanction" clue leans towards approval or punishment. A light-hearted puzzle might lean towards 'approve', while a more serious one could be 'penalty'.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorming both synonyms for 'permission' (e.g., authorize, allow, approve) and 'punishment' (e.g., ban, prohibit, penalize) can help generate a list of possibilities to match the given letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'sanction' in crossword puzzles?
The word 'sanction' is a classic crossword clue because it has two opposing meanings. It can mean to give official permission or approval (e.g., 'to sanction a new policy'), or it can mean to impose a penalty or punishment (e.g., 'economic sanctions'). Crossword setters often play on this duality, requiring solvers to deduce the intended meaning from surrounding clues or letter counts.
How can I tell if 'sanction' means approval or punishment in a crossword?
The length of the answer is a major clue. Words like 'ALLOW' (5 letters), 'PERMIT' (6 letters), or 'APPROVE' (7 letters) typically refer to approval. Words like 'BAN' (3 letters), 'FINE' (4 letters), 'PUNISH' (6 letters), or 'PENALTY' (7 letters) suggest a punitive meaning. Also, look at any intersecting words – they often provide context that clarifies which sense of 'sanction' is intended.
Why is 'sanction' considered a tricky crossword clue?
'Sanction' is tricky precisely because of its contronymic nature – a word with two meanings that are opposites. This characteristic makes it a favourite for setters looking to challenge solvers. Recognizing that a clue might have such opposing interpretations is key to mastering these types of entries.