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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For new companies created or registered after January 1, 2025, the deadline is set to 30 days from receiving either actual or public notice of their effective creation or registration.Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
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Finally, in advance of beginning actual talks, the United States should push forward de-escalation measures.Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This special need has been Ralph’s only real barrier to finding a forever home as a single pet.Staff report, Hartford Courant, 23 Dec. 2024
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But the issues in the West Bank center on a specific feature—navigation—that historically hasn’t drawn as much attention but, now as much as ever, poses real safety fears for users.Paresh Dave, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The representatives of Wayfarer Studios still did nothing proactive nor retaliated, and only responded to incoming media inquiries to ensure balanced and factual reporting and monitored social activity.Dominic Patten, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2024
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Having a clear, factual record of what was said and agreed upon can protect you from these shifting narratives.Mark Murphy, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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While the Consulate General of the Netherlands’ dismissed our concerns, the City of New York has taken strides towards true partnership.Joe Baker, New York Daily News, 28 Dec. 2024
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This topic of research started with a group of Japanese scientists trying to determine the true benefits of forest bathing—shinrin-yoku.Kathy Willis, WIRED, 28 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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And since this man insists that all of the generals will be meeting at Lord John’s house for dinner that very night, Mrs. Figg requests that the young man help her in the kitchen.Lincee Ray, EW.com, 28 Dec. 2024
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The Eagles invest in backup quarterbacks for this very reason.Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near de facto
Cite this Entry
“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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