nominally

[nom-uh-nl-ee]

adverb

1. by or as regards name; in name; ostensibly.

   He was nominally the leader, but others actually ran the organization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nominally¹

First recorded in 1655–65; nominal + -ly

Example Sentences

But he also took the unusual step of criticizing a ruling of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, to which he nominally reports, for its dangerous acquiescence in the president’s authoritarian agenda.

From Salon

The move is nominally intended to target individuals who lied about prior crimes or criminal affiliations during the citizenship application process.

From Salon

How a case nominally about getting homeless people inside escalated into an assault on the city’s fundamental powers is an 18-month saga of wrangling over the settlement terms.

From Los Angeles Times

Though the stunt is nominally aimed at exposing and ending degrading matchmaking practices, what Nastia really yearns for is her missing parent’s attention.

From Los Angeles Times

There are nominally equal branches of government that provide important checks to the balance of power.

From Salon