Crossword Genius

Small argument is formal (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stiff

'formal' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'small argument' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'argument' becomes 'tiff' (I've seen this in other clues).
's'+'tiff'='STIFF'

'is' is the link.

(Other definitions for stiff that I've seen before include "18 [HARD]" , "Severe - conventional - dead body" , "Awkward" , "Not giving" , "Firm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.