on paper
phrase
1
: in writing
wants these promises on paper
2
: in theory
the plan looks good on paper
3
: figured at face value
on paper the stock was worth nearly a million dollars
Examples of on paper in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The work week America built Adam Smith divided labor in his pin factory on paper in 1776.
—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The Sixers are closer to New York on paper but will lack the cohesiveness the Knicks have built.
—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
But that career-best production didn’t deter the Celtics from trading Brown within the Atlantic Division in a move that, on paper, makes their roster worse and Philadelphia’s better.
—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
2 July 2026
All of this came after Florida’s four trades for star forward Brady Tkachuk, starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, backup goaltender Akira Schmid and fourth-line forward Garnet Hathaway to fortify what on paper was already a stout roster.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Then participants draw their individual targets on paper with colored markers that Fadel provides.
—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Everything in the 1990s was still on paper, from worksheets and book reports to spelling tests and art projects and maybe a note passed when the teacher turned her head.
—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 June 2026
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Alexander Puutio,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
The Sixers are closer to New York on paper but will lack the cohesiveness the Knicks have built.
—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
But that career-best production didn’t deter the Celtics from trading Brown within the Atlantic Division in a move that, on paper, makes their roster worse and Philadelphia’s better.
—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
2 July 2026
All of this came after Florida’s four trades for star forward Brady Tkachuk, starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, backup goaltender Akira Schmid and fourth-line forward Garnet Hathaway to fortify what on paper was already a stout roster.
—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
1 July 2026
Then participants draw their individual targets on paper with colored markers that Fadel provides.
—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2026
Everything in the 1990s was still on paper, from worksheets and book reports to spelling tests and art projects and maybe a note passed when the teacher turned her head.
—
Sarah Scott,
Parents,
30 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“On paper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20paper. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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