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
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
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Joe McKendrick covers how technology moves markets and careers How do things work out when people are managed by algorithms, versus actual human beings?—
Joe McKendrick,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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However, the significance lies in the message rather than the actual financial loss.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The 2019 film Trial by Fire remained largely faithful to the real events of Willingham’s case and execution.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
27 Feb. 2025
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For one night, Hollywood’s background actors are the real stars.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This initial report will contain factual information gathered during the investigation's first phase but will not specify cause.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
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Currently, product content often mixes factual information with emotional appeals and brand storytelling.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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While the first is undeniably true, how accurate is the second?—
Morgan Fargo,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2025
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The Airbrush is also a true full-length style that's proved clutch for taller shoppers (see below).—
Andrea Navarro,
Glamour,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In both stories, the very possibility of a relationship depends on the man learning American Sign Language.—
Richard Brody,
The New Yorker,
20 Feb. 2025
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Later this very January night, the Chicago White Sox will announce plans to erect a statue of Mark Buehrle, the team’s ace from a generation ago.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
The Athletic,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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