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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The actual spinal bones can weaken or arewedge shaped, allowing the hump to happen.—
Nicole Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
23 July 2025
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The unintended result however is that the actual people who use the tool are often missing from design conversations.—
Lindsay Phillips,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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Oreo Puffs cereal is made with real Oreo cookie wafers, according to Post Consumer Brands, that are crunchy and chocolatey spheres along with marshmallows.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
22 July 2025
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Explore the challenges of bringing Stitch into the real world, how the familiar images of the original were recreated, and join returning cast members on a set that embodies ‘ohana.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The new world order is truth to truth, answer to query, whereby factual snippets are revered and rewarded.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Writers who draw on personal stories are often dogged by nonfiction’s prevailing imperative of factual precision.—
Rachel Vorona Cote,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Adjective
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Now, as the families prepare for next week's sentencing hearing on July 23, Patterson and Ward are hoping to give readers a true sense of the four victims.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
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What's changing with Gemini on Android Currently, the official email and support pages aren't providing consistent information on Gemini's true behavior regarding this change and how to disable it.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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The composers also had to navigate the IP’s legacy, in particular, that of John Williams’ original heroic themes – the very DNA of Superman.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
14 July 2025
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The earworm of a theme song and classic scenes are etched into the very fiber of the park.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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