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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Golden State shuts down Jalen Green Game 4 was marred by a myriad of skirmishes, which detracted from the actual basketball to some degree, but the Warriors’ pressure on Jalen Green — and how the Rockets responded — will ultimately determine how the rest of this series plays out.—
Anthony Slater,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
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The mostly instrumental project kicks off its time at No. 37 on the Official Soundtrack Albums chart, joining the actual soundtrack inside the top 40.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Washington has repeatedly threatened to abandon its peace efforts unless there is real progress.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2025
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The secretive conclave, in which roughly 130 cardinals from around the world gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Catholic Church leader is already prompting real movie-worthy drama.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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They are shared on social media or fed to reporters with intentional factual omissions and no regard for the truth.—
Liam Quinn,
People.com,
25 Apr. 2025
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If false narratives start to snowball, respond quickly with clear, factual messaging and a human voice.—
Taazima Kala,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Edmonton Oilers entered the postseason with more roster questions than any true Stanley Cup contender this spring.—
Allan Mitchell,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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While hazing has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, incidents like the one in Syracuse are reminders of how vague the true scope of hazing nationwide remains and the need for more tangible hazing prevention practices, experts and advocates say.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
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Foxx grew up in Tucson, Ariz., living the very policies that politicians debate in Washington, D.C.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 7 May. 2025.
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