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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf?—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
While most of the other categories honor actual work accomplished — an actor who has given a performance, an editor who has cut scenes together, a writer who has penned a script — this new award seeks to honor those who make suggestions.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
But the real beauty here is that there isn’t much to do beyond taking a dip in the phenomenal infinity pool, followed by a nap.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
From Wednesday on, the real heat wave begins to take a foothold with highs for many areas getting up into the 80s to finish the week.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Over the past year, this FCC has attacked the media as part of a years-long campaign by this Administration and its allies to discredit factual, independent coverage while blaming the press for growing public distrust.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
-
As someone trying to protect my father hundreds of miles away, clear, factual information made all the difference.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
How to Spot the Next One Before sharing a story that sounds too absurd to be true, check the source page.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
-
That’s particularly true in the world of elite prep schools, which sometimes cost nearly $100,000 per year and often give athletic aid.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The beaches are golden and flat—the very postcard of a Mediterranean summer—split into sections by rocky outcrops that jut between them.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Very famous people—Diana, Versace, Carolyn, John, Lauren—died at the very end of this sort of magical decade.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
