adjective

nominal

/ˈnɒmɪnəl/ · say it: NOM·i·nuhl

existing in name only; very small

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) existing or stated in name only, not real or significant in practice

2. (adjective) (of a sum of money) very small compared to the real value or cost

3. (adjective) relating to or expressed in the form of a name or names

Examples

1. He was the nominal head of the company, but his brother made all the decisions.
2. We charge only a nominal fee for membership—just five dollars a year.
3. In grammar, the nominal group includes the noun and its modifiers.

How to use nominal

Nominal describes something that exists formally or officially but lacks real substance, significance, or monetary value. It is commonly used in business and politics to refer to symbolic positions (nominal leader) or minimal costs (nominal fee). The term is more formal and precise than casual synonyms like 'fake' or 'pretend', and often implies an official or technical context rather than outright deception.

Common phrases

nominal fee
nominal charge
nominal value
nominal head of state
nominal amount
nominal rate

Synonyms

token · symbolic · titular · in name only · notional

Opposites

actual · real · substantial

Word family

nominally (adverb) · nominalism (noun) · nominate (verb) · nomination (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse nominal with normal; nominal means 'in name only' or 'very small', not 'typical or standard'.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD