1
as in titular
being something in name or form only
he was the nominal head of state—everyone knew the country was actually run by one of his advisers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slight
so small or unimportant as to warrant little or no attention
when you pay $400 for an airline ticket, a ticketing fee of five dollars seems nominal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in substantive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nominal
Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025
Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are nominal political outsiders, regular critics of the Democratic establishment and proud progressives who are beloved by leftwing base voters — qualities that have advantages in today’s political environment.
—David M. Drucker, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Some combination of bad staff work and bad judgment on her part led Whitmer to be used as a political prop who lent some nominal bipartisanship to an episode that Democrats would very much like Trump to have sole ownership of.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
The nominal aims of orders to, for example, stop anti-semitism or halt the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion topics are smoke screens for an attempt to hobble institutions that are perceived to house a liberal elite.
—William Stafford Noble, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nominal
Adjective
Cage’s most famous composition—a piece where any performer exists in any space for four minutes and 33 seconds—is performed in nominal silence.
—Jeremy D. Larson, Pitchfork, 11 Apr. 2025
Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders are nominal political outsiders, regular critics of the Democratic establishment and proud progressives who are beloved by leftwing base voters — qualities that have advantages in today’s political environment.
—David M. Drucker, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Some combination of bad staff work and bad judgment on her part led Whitmer to be used as a political prop who lent some nominal bipartisanship to an episode that Democrats would very much like Trump to have sole ownership of.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 11 Apr. 2025
The nominal aims of orders to, for example, stop anti-semitism or halt the teaching of diversity, equity and inclusion topics are smoke screens for an attempt to hobble institutions that are perceived to house a liberal elite.
—William Stafford Noble, Chicago Tribune, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nominal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nominal
Adjective
-
The 10-episode first season, starring Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel, followed the push-and-pull struggles of rival ranching families in the titular Texas town, and has viewers clamoring for more.—
Elizabeth Logan,
Glamour,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In 2023, the actor returned to the role again in Ahsoka, which sees Anakin serving as Jedi Master to the titular Padawan, portrayed by Ariana Greenblatt and Rosario Dawson.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This lightweight cream truly melts right in without the slightest bit of cast.—
Sarah Han,
Allure,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Some are skeptical given his slight wingspan and arm length and wonder if a move to left guard may eventually be necessary.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
First Acts: From the symbolic to the substantive, here is a look at what nine new governors elected last year have done in their first weeks in office.—
Maggie Astor,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2023
-
With his substantive, agreeably granular bass, David Grogan gave prophetic warnings real authority.—
Dallas News,
Dallas News,
23 Dec. 2022
Adjective
-
Large firms ignore early-stage disruptors because their technology initially underperforms, their market is too small, or their profitability is negligible.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
-
Although Cruz’s dancing abilities weren’t negligible, her voice was incomparable.—
Leila Cobo,
Billboard,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sprinkle the tiny seeds about 1 inch apart down the trench and lightly cover with soil.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
22 Apr. 2025
-
On the second day of their visit, the couple are due to spend time with the Countryside Rangers from the Mull and Iona Ranger Service (Iona is the tiny neighboring island — which has a population of just 170 people).—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Days later, the California native hopped on X and taunted the Honestly Nevermind producer with a series of petty insults.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The real worry, though, is their kids one day finding everything online—a fear more relatable than petty.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nominal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nominal. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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