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
-
In some regions, that means the actual sea level could be several meters higher, meaning millions more people are at risk of inundation than previously thought.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Democrats did not see that as an actual concession by Republicans, considering Noem was becoming a political liability for the GOP, said the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations.—
DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFF FROM WIRE REPORTS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
There are worse places to steal away for a work call back to the real world, or to finish a book.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Is that in any way a real check on Live Nation’s power?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
When Disney acquired 21st Century Fox in 2019, Brussels approved the transaction only after Disney agreed to divest several European factual channels, including History and Lifetime, which overlapped with Fox’s National Geographic services in certain territories.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Mar. 2026
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While the broader market grapples with streamer and pay-TV budget cuts, factual distributors are pivoting toward public broadcasters and international partnerships to keep projects viable.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the opposite was true Tuesday morning.—
Rachel Royster
Updated March 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Luneberg lens design Autonomous vehicle safety has mostly focused on onboard tech, but true reliability may require upgrading the roads themselves.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, the Iran war is burning through the very munitions that Ukraine needs to defend itself.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
6 Mar. 2026
-
This is admissions time this spring semester, and with these vouchers not being totally available to families until April, that's at the very end of the school year almost.—
Lacey Beasley,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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