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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That for real was like holding the mirror up to myself.—
Anna Moeslein,
Glamour,
15 Apr. 2025
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Back here in the real world, other Under 30 honorees are harnessing AI to tackle important problems.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Felonious Theranos fraudster Elizabeth Holmes has launched another appeal of her conviction and sentence, claiming that a three-judge panel that shot down her first appeal in February was confused on one point, illogical on another, and made factual mistakes in hearing her case.—
Mercury News,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2025
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By coordinating the release of factual messaging to friendly media institutions across both digital and traditional communication channels, messaging can reach stakeholders quickly and clearly.—
Jeffrey Bartel,
Forbes.com,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Voters are not famous for their patience or, as Joe Biden could explain, their fondness for higher prices, something that’s true even if this is a one-off adjustment.—
The Editors,
National Review,
28 Mar. 2025
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Given his body type and potential, maybe the same could be true for Williams.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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As he's proven in his current role as the very bro-y brother on White Lotus — not to mention his Kennedy family lineage — Patrick Schwarzenegger definitely has the chops to pull it off.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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The very premise of the production is a gimmick, a way to let an actor show off and dazzle the audience with some tricks.—
Christian Lewis,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
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