sanction crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "sanction crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAN: To officially prohibit, often used as a form of sanction.
4 Letters
VETO: An official rejection of a proposal or decision, a common type of sanction.
5 Letters
ALLOW: To permit or grant permission, representing the 'approval' sense of sanction.
6 Letters
PERMIT: To give official permission for something to happen or for someone to do something.
7 Letters
APPROVE: To officially agree to or accept as satisfactory, a key meaning of sanction.
PENALTY: A punishment imposed for breaking a law, rule, or contract, which is a strong form of sanction.
More About "sanction crossword clue"
"Sanction" is a fascinating word in the English language, primarily because it's a contronym—a word with two meanings that are opposite to each other. On one hand, it means official permission or approval (e.g., "The plan received the government's sanction"). On the other, it refers to a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule, or an official action taken by one country against another to force compliance (e.g., "Economic sanctions were imposed"). This dual nature makes it a perpetually popular and sometimes perplexing clue in crossword puzzles.
When you encounter "sanction" in a crossword, the puzzle setter is often playing on this ambiguity. Your task is to discern which meaning is intended based on the number of letters in the answer and the context provided by intersecting words. Solutions can range from words like BAN or VETO (for the punitive meaning) to ALLOW or APPROVE (for the permissive meaning).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Both Meanings: Always remember that "sanction" can mean both permission and punishment. If one doesn't fit, try the other.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your biggest hint. Shorter answers often lean towards the punitive meaning (e.g., BAN, VETO), while longer ones might signify approval (e.g., PERMIT, APPROVE).
- Utilize Intersecting Words: The letters from solved intersecting clues are crucial. They will quickly narrow down the possibilities and confirm which meaning is correct for your grid.
- Think Synonyms: Beyond the direct meanings, consider common synonyms for both approval and punishment that fit the letter count.
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 classic contronym, meaning it has two meanings that are opposites of each other: to officially approve or permit something, and to impose a penalty or punishment. This duality makes it a popular and tricky clue in crossword puzzles, requiring solvers to consider context carefully.
How do I determine which meaning of 'sanction' a crossword clue is referring to?
The key is to look at the letter count and intersecting letters from other clues. If the clue implies a shorter word, it might lean towards 'BAN' or 'VETO' (punishment). Longer words like 'APPROVE' or 'PERMIT' suggest the approval meaning. Also, consider the overall theme or tone of the puzzle, if any.
Are there other words with dual or tricky meanings common in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords often feature words with multiple meanings to challenge solvers. Examples include 'cleave' (to split apart or to adhere to), 'fast' (moving quickly or fixed in place), 'clip' (to fasten or to cut), and 'dust' (to remove dust or to sprinkle with dust). Always be prepared for linguistic double-takes!