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 markets had long priced in the risks of growing deficits and political dysfunction, the move formalizes what investors already suspected: U.S. debt is no longer risk-free in name, let alone in fact.
—
Catherine Baab, Quartz, 19 May 2025
If the warring sides continue to refuse a cease-fire or peace talks, that could yield a situation similar to what has occurred in Libya and Yemen: a de facto split in which Sudan remains intact in name only.
—Mai Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 30 Apr. 2025
Not just in the athletic budgets but also in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
For a long time, FIFA has been the organiser of World Cups and, in name at least, the most powerful organisation in the sport.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for in name
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Catherine Baab, Quartz, 19 May 2025
If the warring sides continue to refuse a cease-fire or peace talks, that could yield a situation similar to what has occurred in Libya and Yemen: a de facto split in which Sudan remains intact in name only.
—Mai Hassan, Foreign Affairs, 30 Apr. 2025
Not just in the athletic budgets but also in name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025
For a long time, FIFA has been the organiser of World Cups and, in name at least, the most powerful organisation in the sport.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 21 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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