in name only

American

idiom

having a particular title or reputation, but not functioning or behaving accordingly.

in name only More Idioms

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]

Other Word Forms

in-name-only

adjective

Example Sentences

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in name only

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

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2025

The end result would be a mammoth in name only.

From Slate ● Mar. 16, 2024

Christmas in Kupiansk is a celebration in name only.

From BBC ● Dec. 25, 2023

But bein’ a wife in name only, and not even usin’ the name....Well, you really still just a old maid, ain’t you?”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

in name only

idiom

Other Word Forms

Example Sentences

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