DE FACTO Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

de facto

adjective

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

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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de facto

Adjective

It was found [that] the actual tumor was pretty small.

— Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
The video, which was allegedly posted by an enigmatic pro-Iranian group, claims the embassy was the target, but doesn’t show any actual attack.

— Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026