in someone's/something's name
idiom
1
—used to say that something officially or legally belongs to a specified person
The business is registered in her husband's name for tax purposes.
2
—used to say that something has or uses the name of a specified person
Our reservation at the restaurant is in my name.
3
—used to say that something is done with the authority of a specified person or thing
The leader refused to allow such violent acts to be done in his name.
4
—used to say that something is given as the official reason for doing something
shortcuts taken in efficiency's name
Examples of in someone's/something's name in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Trust for the National Mall's Adopt-A-Cherry-Tree Campaign lets gifters adopt a whole tree ($1,000) or little bud ($25) in someone's name, with a commemorative certificate.
—
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024
Donating to a nonprofit in someone's name can also be a thoughtful, lasting gift.
—Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 22 Nov. 2024
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Anna Spiegel, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024
Donating to a nonprofit in someone's name can also be a thoughtful, lasting gift.
—Naheed Rajwani-Dharsi, Axios, 22 Nov. 2024
Cite this Entry
“In someone's/something's name.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20someone%27s%2Fsomething%27s%20name. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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