tit·u·lar
ˈti-chə-lər 
ˈtich-lər
1
a
: having the title and usually the honors belonging to an office or dignity without the duties, functions, or responsibilities
the titular head of a political party
b
: existing in title only
especially
: bearing a title derived from a defunct ecclesiastical jurisdiction (such as an episcopal see)
a titular bishop
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a title
the titular hero of the play
3
: bearing a title : titled
titularly
adverb
: a person holding a title
Synonyms
Examples of titular in a Sentence
Adjective
Although retired, he remains the titular chairman of the company.
he's the titular head of the department, though it's the assistant managers who largely run things around here
Recent Examples on the Web
Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
The New Empire is a followup to 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, and pits the titular behemoths against a new colossus that threatens the survival of humanity.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2024
Prior to his death, attributed to a drug overdose, the comedian and actor was in talks to voice the titular character in Shrek.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024
As the mother of humanity’s future savior against legions of killer robots, Sarah Connor would likely balk at General Eleanor McCallister, Hamilton’s character on the Syfy series, a hard-nosed officer who initially opposes and then later joins forces with Alan Tudyk’s titular alien.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
While Grammer returned as the titular character, a majority of the original cast did not return for the revival — including his TV brother David Hyde Pierce (who portrayed Niles).
—Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
In the film adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, Olivier — who was white — used dark makeup to resemble the titular Moor of Venice.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Others wondered how the film could dare to depict such conflict without really explaining its origins, given that Civil War takes place well into its titular war, with rebel forces descending on the White House to evict a president (played by Nick Offerman) who has refused to leave office.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
By Shirley Li Early in the new documentary Girls State, one of the participants in the titular leadership program for high schoolers chuckles after learning the camp song.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2024
Adjective
But the musical’s titular character is not so polished.
—Frank Rizzo, Variety, 15 Apr. 2024
The New Empire is a followup to 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, and pits the titular behemoths against a new colossus that threatens the survival of humanity.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2024
Prior to his death, attributed to a drug overdose, the comedian and actor was in talks to voice the titular character in Shrek.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2024
As the mother of humanity’s future savior against legions of killer robots, Sarah Connor would likely balk at General Eleanor McCallister, Hamilton’s character on the Syfy series, a hard-nosed officer who initially opposes and then later joins forces with Alan Tudyk’s titular alien.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024
While Grammer returned as the titular character, a majority of the original cast did not return for the revival — including his TV brother David Hyde Pierce (who portrayed Niles).
—Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
In the film adaptation of the Shakespeare classic, Olivier — who was white — used dark makeup to resemble the titular Moor of Venice.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
Others wondered how the film could dare to depict such conflict without really explaining its origins, given that Civil War takes place well into its titular war, with rebel forces descending on the White House to evict a president (played by Nick Offerman) who has refused to leave office.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2024
By Shirley Li Early in the new documentary Girls State, one of the participants in the titular leadership program for high schoolers chuckles after learning the camp song.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'titular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near titular
Cite this Entry
“Titular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/titular. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share