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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Example Sentences
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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
Another item in the package extends the de facto period of service for individuals serving on local boards and commissions beyond a looming February deadline and into April.
—Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Jan. 2023
Previously, Disney had de facto control of the board as the district's largest landowner.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 10 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
See All Example Sentences for de facto
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023
Another item in the package extends the de facto period of service for individuals serving on local boards and commissions beyond a looming February deadline and into April.
—Zachariah Hughes, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Jan. 2023
Previously, Disney had de facto control of the board as the district's largest landowner.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 10 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
See All Example Sentences for de facto
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de facto
Adjective
-
The actual facial steaming device, which is another pick approved by both Dr. Garshick and Dr. King, is made with sensitive skin types in mind.—
Jennifer Hussein,
Allure,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Litherland believes the pharaoh's actual mummy is buried in a second tomb.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent is a taut re-creation of a real event that took place during the Bosnian War, which has unfortunate parallels to our own trajectory.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Despite its seemingly trivial nature, ear wiggling could offer real benefits.—
Clarissa Brincat,
Popular Science,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Although the administration insists this will not be the case, there is no factual reason to believe that narrative as these cut moves are not about efficiency, safety or functionality.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
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According to a factual proffer reflecting the prosecution’s case, the two unnamed U.S. soldiers were hanging out at the Colombian Pub, a sports bar in the upscale Zona T area, at about 11 p.m. on March 5, 2020.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This becomes even more true if a recession does result.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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But while Connecticut is largely forested, only about one-tenth of 1% of all forest land in the state is considered true old-growth forest.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In fact, a case was winding its way through the judiciary on this very topic at the time.—
Rebecca Brenner Graham / Made by History,
TIME,
4 Mar. 2025
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As politicians wage war on immigration in the name of protecting American jobs, their policies threaten to unravel the very system that keeps millions of Americans — especially mothers — in the workforce.—
Rachel Cohen,
Vox,
4 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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