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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Users and park supporters say the closures, both actual and potential, will likely reshape how people visit national parks this year, keeping more visitors closer to gateway towns and out of more remote areas.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
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County Executive Frank White Jr. is capping increases at 15%, no matter how much Zillow says the actual market value of people’s homes rose.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
17 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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And Gandolfini was right: The series almost wasn’t cast authentically with real Italian actors.—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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But against the Cavaliers, against the length of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Ware stands essential, on a Heat roster that lacks a true backup center.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But in all seriousness, that’s to say, P-town has long been the summertime hot spot for weirdos and (yes, largely cis) gay revelry on the very tip of Cape Cod.—
JD Shadel,
Them.,
21 Apr. 2025
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Their mental models, goals, mindsets, values, narratives, and purposes were the very things that scientific management had dismissed in principle.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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