DE FACTO Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

de facto

adjective

Definition of de facto

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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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

Adjective

Clear procedures would improve relief for actual victims while requiring the OCR to substantiate its demands.

— Ilya Shapiro, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
Authorities have described the more than two dozen threats as malicious hoaxes, and no actual attacks have been carried out.

— Jenni Reid, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of actual

Adjective

That so-fake-it’s-real argument has underpinned many provocative artistic movements over the years.

— Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
In short, this study showed how the material responds to mechanical force, temperature, and chemical changes, but its effectiveness in real propulsion systems remains to be established.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

The findings could give lawmakers a factual basis to demand answers and intensify scrutiny of whether the administration misled the court.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Lower costs and safety measures Tencent has also worked to reduce factual errors when Hy4 retrieves information.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

The backstory Kromo is the first hotel in Thailand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, a brand known for its independent boutique hotels that stay true to their local identity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Gentile’s feature directorial debut, American Murderer, was a true-crime thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel, and Jacki Weaver.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of true

Browse Nearby Words

defacing

de facto

defalcation

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“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of de facto

adjective

Example Sentences

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