titular
Holding the title
Titular describes something that exists in title or name rather than substance.
A titular head of state holds the position formally but lacks real power.
The titular character of a book or film is the one named in the title—Hamlet is the titular character of *Hamlet*.
Less commonly, titular relates to a title of nobility or office: titular lands.
Relating to formal rites
- symbolicRepresenting through signs
- figureheadNominal leader, no authority
- nominalIn designation only
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
token · ornamental · decorative · puppet · emeritus · sinecure · perfunctory · representative
One sharing another's name
- protagonistStory's central figure
- headlinerTop-billed performer
- starringPlaying the lead role
- leadDense metal, symbol Pb
ceremonial
Relating to formal rites
- symbolicRepresenting through signs
- figureheadNominal leader, no authority
- nominalIn designation only
powerless · token · ornamental · decorative · puppet · emeritus · sinecure · perfunctory · representative · ambassadorial
namesake
One sharing another's name
- protagonistStory's central figure
- headlinerTop-billed performer
- starringPlaying the lead role
lead · marquee · featured · brand-name
bishop
Diocesan clergy head
archbishop · prelate · benefice · parish · cathedral · episcopal · apostolic · canonical · incumbent
- bancabanco, cheque
- nominalnominal, figurehead, in name only, token, honorary
- gestiónjefe, director, control, supervisor, agenda
titularunofficial
Not formally recognized
informal · de facto · unrecognized · untitled · behind-the-scenes
- titular headLeader lacking actual authority
title, titled, titles, entitle, entitled, untitled, entitling, titleholder, titleless