in name only

1. Also, only in name. Nominally, not actually. For example, He's the chief executive in name only; his vice-president makes all the decisions, or Theirs was a marriage only in name; they lived on different continents. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

But Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay has said that without changes, the bill will not "meaningfully change the justice system", adding: "It's a victims' law in name only."

From BBC

Even the band’s second chance at a Stonehenge showstopper is more like a joke in name only.

From Los Angeles Times

“NSF’s indefinite suspensions differ from a termination in name only,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

She alleged the university and Simplilearn violated consumer protection laws and that the program she enrolled in was part of Caltech “in name only.”

From Los Angeles Times

“The purported foreclosure was in name only,” the suit said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ostensible 
• titular