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

In addition to three trips in 2016 described in court papers, he was here in 2015 — nominally to attend a training program at the University of New Haven.

From ProPublica

The hearing nominally focused on disinformation and extremism, particularly in the wake of the January 6 events at the US Capitol.

From Ars Technica

The deeper question for Sundog is why a person who nominally loves the freedom of the hills devotes his hours debating their “rights” in situations that are rare approaching hypothetical.

From Outside Online

This dynamic exercise lasted for about 30 seconds and appeared to proceed nominally as well.

From Ars Technica

Whereas all-wheel-drive crossovers waste energy driving the front and rear driveshafts and axles at all times, the Bronco Sport is fitted with a part-time system that nominally drives only the front wheels.

From Outside Online

But one thing is becoming clearer: No matter who is nominally in charge, chaos will reign.

From The Daily Beast

Meanwhile, the labor unions and liberal groups that nominally backed Cuomo could not be more thrilled to see him stumble.

From The Daily Beast

But with winking acquiescence, the FDA, though nominally still watching over shoulders, more or less disappeared.

From The Daily Beast

In other words, built into the negotiations nominally aimed at two states was a condition that made two states less likely.

From The Daily Beast

Egypt and Syria were formal coalition members; even China and Russia were at least nominally on board.

From The Daily Beast

This is a conquered city, virtually if not nominally in a state of siege, without assignable period.

From Project Gutenberg

Office hours in those days were nominally from nine till six, but for the juniors especially often much longer.

From Project Gutenberg

I am prepared to respect the franchise, to give substantially, although not nominally, equality.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Mitchell was nominally a Unitarian in his religious creed, but he held very lax notions of this theology, and verged to Deism.

From Project Gutenberg

The Celts sustained a long struggle against the Frankish kings, who only nominally occupied Brittany.

From Project Gutenberg