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.
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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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But issuing preemptive pardons — for actual or imagined offenses by Trump’s critics that could be investigated or prosecuted by the incoming administration — would stretch the powers of the presidency in untested ways.Zeke Miller and Colleen Long, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
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Given that the cast had a complex relationship with fame due to their actual names and faces in the film, Toti, Kempf and Christian decided to never release the project to streaming, digital or an easily pirateable physical release.William Earl, Variety, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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If style is your top priority but function is less important, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250, depending on the brand and materials (for example, real leather is often more expensive).Avery Stone, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
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Normally, the jet stream resembles a real stream, slicing directly across the country with perhaps a few small meanders.Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This article includes reporting from The Associated Press. fairness meter fairness meter Newsweek is committed to journalism that's factual and fair.Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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The emotional impact of VR experiences could potentially overshadow factual evidence, and different viewing angles might lead to inconsistent interpretations among jurors.Lars Daniel, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But the flip side is also true: Nothing would be more harmful than letting the Small Business Deduction disappear at the end of the year.John E. Kelly Jr., Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
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By staying true to her own experiences, her music naturally encourages others to embrace courage, authenticity, and a childlike sense of wonder—an organic process that defines the heart of her artistic contribution.Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Its very name, the flight number for Air France’s iconic Concorde flights between New York and Paris in the 1970s, is an allusion to the carrier’s rich history.Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
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The interim president will also take on leadership of the agency amid a debate about its very future.Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
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 21 Jan. 2025.
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