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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While this trend may appear to present a market opportunity for retailers considering local sourcing strategies, the gap between consumer intent and actual purchasing behavior remains significant.—
Shelley E. Kohan,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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The comments in the thread suggest that the official website selling F1 tickets is an agent, while the circuit is the actual seller.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
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That clear difference of opinion represents an opportunity for Putin to portray the Ukrainians and the Europeans – not Russia – as the real obstacle to peace, potentially undermining Trump’s already shaky support for the Ukrainian war effort.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The formula for Winner’s Circle became the firm’s calling card: fresh factual entertainment or documentary content focused on stories and names that young audiences care about, produced with the latest technology.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Aug. 2025
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Have honest and factual conversations with friends and family about why due process matters.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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While some characters like Connie and Bobby literally grow, true to the show’s comedic approach, King of the Hill’s return underscores how whether in real or animated life, some people never change.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
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The Gilded Age has been a true word-of-mouth phenomenon.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The very future of late-night television came under a microscope on July 17, when CBS surprisingly canceled Stephen Colbert’s show, despite its popularity.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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In almost all respects, Masako—true to her breeding—was the very model of a modest and gracious ojōsan.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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