sanction crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "sanction crossword clue", covering various word lengths and interpretations. Get quick help and insightful explanations to complete your puzzle!
Solutions for "sanction crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAN: To officially prohibit, representing the 'penalty' or 'restriction' sense of sanction.
5 Letters
ALLOW: To permit; often used when sanction means 'approve'.
6 Letters
IMPOSE: To officially force a rule, tax, or punishment to be obeyed or paid, as in 'impose sanctions'.
7 Letters
APPROVE: To officially agree to or accept, aligning with the 'permission' sense of sanction.
PENALTY: A punishment for breaking a law, rule, or contract, directly referring to the restrictive meaning of sanction.
ENDORSE: To declare one's public approval or support of.
9 Letters
AUTHORIZE: To give official permission for something to happen or for someone to do something.
More About "sanction crossword clue"
The word "sanction" is a fascinating one in the English language, primarily because it's a contronym – a word with two meanings that are opposite to each other. In crosswords, this duality makes "sanction" a popular and sometimes tricky clue. It can mean official permission or approval, as in "The committee gave its sanction for the project." Conversely, it can refer to a penalty or coercive measure, often imposed by one country on another, as in "Economic sanctions were placed on the rogue state."
Crossword constructors love to play on this double meaning. When you encounter "sanction" as a clue, you'll need to consider the length of the answer and any crossing letters to determine whether the puzzle is looking for a word related to permission (like ALLOW or APPROVE) or to punishment (like BAN or PENALTY). The context of the puzzle, if available, can also provide valuable hints.
Understanding these nuances is key to mastering puzzles that feature such clever wordplay. Our goal is to provide you with all possible interpretations to ensure you can solve even the most challenging clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Contronyms: Always be mindful of words like "sanction" that have opposite meanings. If an answer doesn't fit the most common meaning, try the inverse.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. It immediately narrows down the possibilities, especially for words with multiple meanings like "sanction".
- Look at Intersecting Words: The letters revealed by crossing clues are invaluable. They can confirm your suspicion about which meaning of "sanction" is intended.
- Think Synonyms & Antonyms: For a clue like "sanction," brainstorm both synonyms for approval (e.g., endorse, permit) and synonyms for penalty (e.g., prohibition, fine).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'sanction' have two opposite meanings in crosswords?
The word 'sanction' is a contronym, meaning it's a word with two meanings that are opposite to each other. In crosswords, setters often exploit this duality, using the clue to refer to either 'permission' or 'punishment', requiring solvers to consider context or other crossing letters.
How can I tell if 'sanction' means 'permission' or 'penalty'?
Look at the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters. Words like ALLOW, APPROVE, AUTHORIZE, or ENDORSE point to 'permission', while words like BAN, PENALTY, or IMPOSE lean towards 'punishment'. The constructor's style or the puzzle's theme might also offer hints.
Are there other contronyms commonly used in crosswords?
Yes, contronyms are popular in crosswords for their cleverness. Examples include 'clip' (attach or cut off), 'dust' (add dust or remove dust), 'fast' (moving quickly or fixed in place), and 'oversight' (supervision or an error). Being aware of these can significantly boost your crossword solving skills.