de facto

adjective

Definition of de factonext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de facto The portal has brought about de facto unfettered free agency in major college football and basketball. — Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Mar. 2023 Senior centers across the country function as de facto community centers. — Eliza Fawcett, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2023 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 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
  1. actual
  2. real
  3. factual
  4. true
  5. very
Adjective
  • Make the thing, refine one detail, and let the actual work answer the outside noise.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers compared each graduate’s actual first employer against every other firm that plausibly could have hired them, then measured how the presence of fellow Ivy Leaguers at those firms shaped where graduates actually landed.
    — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • The stage will combine an LED volume wall, advanced camera tracking and real-time 3D engines to blend physical sets and actors with digital environments.
    — Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 22 July 2026
  • But beyond those dates, bookings for June 10 through July 19 totaled 430K nights, roughly flat compared to last year, suggesting no real uplift on those days, Linda Rollins, an AirDNA research analyst told the Miami Herald.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • In January, the bank asked the judge to throw out Arbuckle’s claims, arguing that evidence exchanged by both sides showed no key factual disputes requiring a jury to resolve.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Comcast is likely to dispute the negligence claim and may dispute at least some of the factual allegations.
    — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • Instead, the shoreline is made up of rocky outcroppings, making the pools—and the views—the true focal point.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Thankfully for Chad Gable, his loss came in the match of the year in 2026, and this led to a babyface redemption tour with Chad Gable playing his true self as opposed to a heel luchador.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Yet communism, as it was once associated with Soviet Russia and Red China, is such a dead letter as a political ideology that the very use of the term has an antique ring.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Happily, this comeback tale is proving itself out before our very eyes.
    — Adam Aron, Variety, 29 July 2026
Definition of very

Browse Nearby Words

defacing
de facto
defalcation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on de facto

Nglish: Translation of de facto for Spanish Speakers

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