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
-
The world is being quietly reordered by those who control critical systems, translate AI into actual productivity, build trust and preserve optionality.—
Mark Minevich,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Ground operators will exercise the full scenario of an actual mission countdown, running the clock to just 30 seconds prior to engine ignition, powering on the rocket and fully fueling its two stages with cryogenic fuels.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Dell is finally good at something—but as her behavior becomes riskier and a shadowy troll threatens to expose her dark past, Dell must reckon with what her digital life ignores, and what real redemption means.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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When boys are asked to show up consistently for real people, academic readiness and emotional readiness develop side by side.—
Dr. Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
This classy performance, ending the set with a song from a competitor’s game, embodied the very spirit of the event, a pure expression of love for the culture of game music, across company lines.—
Billboard Japan,
Billboard,
30 Jan. 2026
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Puerto Ricans are told to endure austerity, accept cuts, and trust institutions, while watching those institutions protect the very actors who helped engineer the crisis.—
Israel Melendez Ayala,
Time,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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