as in actual
existing in fact and not merely as a possibility
with the death of his father, he became the de facto head of the family
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Recent Examples of de facto
The 16 women who had challenged the status quo, most notably Nancy Hopkins, the reluctant de facto leader, were thrilled but eager to return to their roles as elite scientists.
—
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023
The measure received unanimous support in the House and Senate and drew Taiwan’s de facto ambassador in the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, to both chambers Thursday.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Beauty Turns Individuals into Communities Beauty salons and barber shops have traditionally played the role of de facto community centers in many places around the world.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
Pollard only lasted a handful of seasons, and in short order, the NFL erected its own de facto color barrier in 1933, thanks in large part to the efforts of George Preston Marshall, the then-Boston Redskins owner.
—Robert Silverman, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for de facto
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023
The measure received unanimous support in the House and Senate and drew Taiwan’s de facto ambassador in the U.S., Hsiao Bi-khim, to both chambers Thursday.
—Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2023
Beauty Turns Individuals into Communities Beauty salons and barber shops have traditionally played the role of de facto community centers in many places around the world.
—Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
Pollard only lasted a handful of seasons, and in short order, the NFL erected its own de facto color barrier in 1933, thanks in large part to the efforts of George Preston Marshall, the then-Boston Redskins owner.
—Robert Silverman, Rolling Stone, 12 Feb. 2023
See All Example Sentences for de facto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de facto
Adjective
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That space was brought to life inside the Plaza’s actual theater, where the walls were repapered in gold, adding to the gold lame Austrian curtain onstage.—
Rachel Wallace,
Architectural Digest,
29 May 2026
-
More affordable housing near transit with actual income targeting for the families already living here.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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As the federal government seeks to impose populism from above, pluralism from above is another real possibility.—
Katy Siegel,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
-
The bar, Salon Salon, is a real destination drinking spot, though.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
The judge reasoned that there remain factual disputes for jurors to weigh.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 June 2026
-
Plus, on an expressly factual level, any telling of American journalism in the early and mid 20th century that doesn’t include them—and more broadly, the real proportions of women working in the era—is a false telling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
Adjective
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There are past precedents for how that is not true.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
-
With its overall Life in Balance philosophy, Miraval Resorts and Spas has led the way in recognizing just how valuable and restorative a true connection with other humans and the natural environment can be.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Potential side effects The downside to treating zinc cream like an overnight face mask is that the very thing making skin look calmer can also unearth problems beneath the surface.—
Tatiana Dias,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
-
Then to Sydney Harbour, the very scene of that embarrassing capsize exactly a year earlier, and the Americans won the event outright for a first win since October 2023.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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