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

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Unfortunately, their hugely enjoyable remake, in name only, was stuck in distribution limbo for the better part of five years, despite a stellar cast that includes Oscar winners Robert De Niro, Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman. Joe Leydon, Variety, 5 Mar. 2025 So cheese shown here is the cheapest possible Swiss cheese and really in name only. Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Flawed process Russia’s previous pledges of peace in Ukraine have been characterized by deception, suggesting a ceasefire may be in name only. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 14 Jan. 2025 Ohio State financed its roster through $20.5 million in name, image and likeness agreements, its athletic director said. Andy McCullough, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for in name

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“In name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20name. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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