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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Ronaldo is today a reflection of how the media, sport and entertainment industry is more and more about media and entertainment and less about the actual sport.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
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Although firms are bullish on AI’s potential, the technology has not yet paid off, and investors are reacting to uncertainty about its actual value.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The singer slowly made his way down the stage, stopping by La Casita, popularized during the singer’s recent world tour, and even witnessed a couple’s real wedding.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
His only real path to election is as the Sandy Koufax of the 21st century.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Her exit is the second senior departure from the team this year, following true crime supremo Dan Korn, who has commissioned thousands of hours of factual shows for Sky History and Crime+Investigation over the past decade.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
3 Feb. 2026
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Documentary Campus brings 25 years of experience in professional training, networking and market development for documentary and factual content.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That speaks of self-protection, not transparency or true accountability for Andrew, who has denied all allegations against him.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
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Mass debranding is also required because, in true FIFA style, only the governing body’s official partners and sponsors can be visually present at the World Cup.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the very moment of ignition, that initial burst of energy?—
Paul Sutter,
Space.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The idea, from the very beginning, was to ease viewers into a new day with amiable hosts who covered the news, cracked jokes and fit right into viewers’ at-home routines.—
Brian Stelter,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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