in name

idiom

used with a following statement to say that something is so by name or title but that is not the way things really are
The Emperor rules in name but not in fact.
She's my boss in name, but we're really more like partners.

Examples of in name in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Although Matlock has returned to the screen in name, that’s about where the similarities end with the new reboot. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2024 As part of this settlement, it is reported that the NCAA will be paying up to $2.9 billion in name, image and likeness (NIL) back-damages to former college athletes, with individual schools also set to pay up to $22 million annually directly to their athletes. Aaron Ryan, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024 While the real-life Lon is unknown in name and profession, Cathy’s grandmother was indeed engaged to another man for a time before reuniting with Cathy's grandfather. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 25 June 2024 The first scene of new Disney+ series Agatha All Along brings back Elizabeth Olsen's Wanda Maximoff in name only. Nick Romano, EW.com, 4 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for in name 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in name.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near in name

Cite this Entry

“In name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20name. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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