Crossword Genius

Nominal fine received by a number (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

token

'nominal' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'fine received by a number' is the wordplay.
'fine' becomes 'ok' (synonyms).
'received by' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'a number' becomes 'ten' (ten is a kind of number).
'ok' inserted inside 'ten' is 'TOKEN'.

(Other definitions for token that I've seen before include "Nominal; voucher" , "Privately issued coin or voucher" , "Symbolic; voucher" , "Disc used as money or a gift card" , "Done for appearance's sake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app