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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The advertised battery life was always shorter than the actual burn time.Ashley Thess, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
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One of the great pleasures of reading novels is the way their residue stays on my mind’s skin like actual memories.Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The English teacher dug out the real recommendation from his briefcase.Adam Patric Miller, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
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Never mind the state’s policies (high gas taxes, special fuels mandate and a push to end fossil-fuels production) are the real causes of crushing gas prices.Steven Greenhut, Orange County Register, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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Once on the record, Dickinson recounted the sidebar with the attorneys, making factual claims that Beles says were flat-out false.Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
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Provide clear, factual updates on any potential policy impacts.Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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The movie’s true set pieces are the professorial villain’s ostentatious monologues using fast food, musical plagiarism, and Monopoly as metaphors to point out how modern religions are just conspicuous iterations of what’s come before.Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
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However, our Editors’ Choice, GameMaker, does a better job balancing consumer convenience with true professional game development potential.PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
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His plans threaten California’s clean air standards and immigration protections, affecting families, communities and the very quality of life that defines this state.Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
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The role of the voter is at the very foundation of our Republic.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 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 22 Nov. 2024.
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