Meaning & use

titular

adjective·Advanced

Holding the title of a position without having the real power or authority that usually goes with it.

See it in a sentence

The queen became a titular monarch after the new constitution transferred real power to parliament.

As titular head of the company, he signed documents but made none of the major decisions.

A note on using this word

Titular is often confused with 'titled'; it specifically signals that a title exists without matching authority, not merely that someone holds a title.

Words with a similar meaning

nominal

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

de facto

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Relating to or providing the name used as the title of a book, film, or other creative work.

The titular character does not appear on screen until nearly thirty minutes into the movie.

Make it your own

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