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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Read the full story by Hugh Cameron on Newsweek. fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Francis hailed as 'true advocate for peace' In 2019, Francis became the first pontiff to set foot on the peninsula where Islam was born.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
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Walker will likely need time to develop in the right system, and the Raiders should wait until later to take a true off-ball linebacker.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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But in all seriousness, that’s to say, P-town has long been the summertime hot spot for weirdos and (yes, largely cis) gay revelry on the very tip of Cape Cod.—
JD Shadel,
Them.,
21 Apr. 2025
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Their mental models, goals, mindsets, values, narratives, and purposes were the very things that scientific management had dismissed in principle.—
Steve Denning,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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