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
While similar in name and timing, the 2024 event did not coincide with the lunar standstill effect that makes the 2025 appearance visually unique.
—
Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
The 215-214 score included most House Republicans, ranging from the SALT RINOs, or Republicans in name only, representing blue state districts to Freedom Caucus fiscal hawks.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Golden Dome takes its inspiration, at least in name, from Israel's Iron Dome, a missile shield system that has been used since 2011 by the Israel Defense Forces to intercept rockets and artillery weapons.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 21 May 2025
Rock is involved with the restaurant — according to a new tweet from Rock himself, largely in name only — while owner Steve Smith leads operations.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in name
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Kate Nalepinski, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 June 2025
The 215-214 score included most House Republicans, ranging from the SALT RINOs, or Republicans in name only, representing blue state districts to Freedom Caucus fiscal hawks.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
Golden Dome takes its inspiration, at least in name, from Israel's Iron Dome, a missile shield system that has been used since 2011 by the Israel Defense Forces to intercept rockets and artillery weapons.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 21 May 2025
Rock is involved with the restaurant — according to a new tweet from Rock himself, largely in name only — while owner Steve Smith leads operations.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in name
Cite this Entry
“In name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20name. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.
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