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in name

idiom

Definition of in name

—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.

Word by Word Definitions

name play

  1. : a word or phrase that constitutes the distinctive designation of a person or thing

  2. : a word or symbol used in logic to designate an entity

  3. : a descriptive often disparaging epithet

  1. : to give a name to : call

  2. : to mention or identify by name

  3. : to accuse by name

  1. : of, relating to, or bearing a name

  2. : appearing in the name of a literary or theatrical production

  3. : having an established reputation

See the full definition of name

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