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
Maine Maine's Secretary of State office urges voters to update their registration in the event of a change in name,address or party affiliation.
—
Patrick Maguire, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for in name 
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Patrick Maguire, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for in name
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 24 Nov. 2024.
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