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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But third secured a place in the 1995-96 UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League), as only the actual champions went into the Champions League then.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
-
While there are no actual doors dividing living spaces in this condo, the arched doorways are covered by thick privacy curtains to cordon each space off from one another.—
Erika Owen,
Architectural Digest,
5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Following Hailey’s response to the content creator, fans praised the Rhode founder for giving real, relatable feedback.—
Dayna Haffenden,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
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Consistency is key: Heintzman recommends dry brushing at least once a week to get real results.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
4 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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The same is true for picking up concertgoers after the show.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
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 18 Apr. 2025.
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