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Showing results for in name only. Search instead for in+name+only.
Definitions

in name only

ADJECTIVE
nominal
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ostensible titular
STRONG
formal given puppet simple
WEAK
alleged apparent as advertised honorary in effect only mentioned named pretended professed purported seeming self-styled so-called stated suggested
Antonyms
WEAK
actual important real significant true
ADJECTIVE
titular
Synonyms
STRONGEST
nominal
WEAK
so-called
Antonyms
WEAK
actual real true

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Months earlier it had appeared to be an election in name only.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Increasingly, companies are using loyalty programs to offer discounts in name only by building hyperspecific profiles on members that determine what deals customers receive and the maximum they’re willing to pay.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

It is especially a menace to anyone invested in securities such as longer-term Treasury bonds, which are “safe” in name only.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 11, 2026

Sevilla are top seeds in Group B in name only.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2023

At some point my mom moved to a separate bedroom in the house, and from then on they were married in name only, not even cohabitating but coexisting.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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