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token

token

5 6.7
Done only to show support or agreement, not to make a real change
  • adjective
  • /ˈtoʊkən/
translation icon : simbólico
  • A token funeral is held.
  • a token force

So Vin from this board is such a flat token female.

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Examples

  • I've served on a substantially all-female board of directors as one of the 'token men.'

    Blog text (4)
  • After the discussion, he offered a token apology, not truly understanding the impact of his words.

  • And I'll pay you a token amount for doing the work - $30.

    Blog text (27)
  • Concern that the role of nurses on these boards will be 'token' remains.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Jack and Declan are the token poor people in the rich town.

    Blog text (27)
  • We therefore are issuing a token apology to try to get out of the mess we've made for ourselves.

    Blog text (2)
  • That's why he's doing this guard duty and raised their hats in token farewell.

  • He made a token gesture by showing up to the meeting without contributing any real ideas.

  • She received a token compliment that felt insincere and lacked genuine recognition.

Synonyms

for show
vstoken
  • Informal
26 6.7

Made to impress people rather than to be useful

is symbolic rather than practically useful or genuinely meaningful
nominal
vstoken
18 7.3

Existing only in name and without real power

is about actions done for appearance rather than actual substance
tokenish
vstoken
  • Informal
9.8

A small action done only to show support but not to change things

is symbolic action focused on appearance not substantial effect

Antonyms

156 3.2

Truly felt and not fake, for example a smile or apology

7 5.0

About the main, basic part of something

Idioms

For the same reason as what was said before

in token of
  • Formal
6.8

As a sign of thanks or respect

Compounds

subway token
  • Archaic
2 4.0

A small metal piece like a coin used to pay to enter a subway station

A small gift or simple act to show thanks

1 8.0

A small object given to show love for someone

A very small amount of money given to show you will pay later or to keep an agreement

3.3

A paper or digital gift card you can exchange for books including e-books

token economy
  • Texting
6.5

A digital system that gives tokens for actions and lets users trade or spend them for services

token money
  • Specialized
6.3

Coins whose metal is worth less than the value shown on them

token economy
  • Specialized
6.5

A system that gives tokens for good behavior and lets people exchange them for rewards

How Substantial

substantial
35 5.0
symbolic
158 4.3
token
5 6.7
cosmetic
95 4.4
nominal
18 7.3

Surface Forms

token positive

Etymology

Token comes from an old English word tacn meaning 'sign' or 'mark'. A token gesture is a small 'sign' that shows feeling but is not a real or big action.