on paper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many Japanese funds are designed to benefit Japanese residents only, and while they might look good on paper, they end up costing way more when you’re filing U.S. taxes.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026

While these deals boost growth on paper, DiFucci estimates that actual organic, constant-currency subscription growth hovered around 7.5% over the past two quarters.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

Uruguay failed to beat Saudi Arabia or Cape Verde — two teams that, on paper, seemed inferior at the start of the tournament.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026

"This case shows that Fifa's Maternity Regulations are not just words on paper and that they provide real protections for players," said Alexandra Gomez Bruinewoud, legal director for global players' union FifPro.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

Mathematical squiggles on paper were not always the most comforting protection against robotic fact.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov