de facto

adjective

Definition of de factonext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de facto The portal has brought about de facto unfettered free agency in major college football and basketball. — Christopher L. Gasper, BostonGlobe.com, 11 Mar. 2023 Senior centers across the country function as de facto community centers. — Eliza Fawcett, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2023 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 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
  1. actual
  2. real
  3. factual
  4. true
  5. very
Adjective
  • Professional athletes have joked about it in the past, with even all-time NBA great LeBron James teasing at a potential college sports journey post-retirement—albeit as more of a joke than an actual plan.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has developed a way to test real oil-and-gas-style well equipment using actual supercritical CO₂, rather than testing it with water or air and hoping the results translate.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of actual
Adjective
  • For localization, Voithru’s Totus offers AI dubbing across 29 languages, and XL8 brings both MediaCAT and EventCAT for video localization and real-time interpretation.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • All 350 potential scenarios are tailor-made, and some are influenced by real events, from both sides of the political divide.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of real
Adjective
  • The theory, which has no factual basis, underscored how such events can fan mistrust along national lines in the region.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Florida TaxWatch, an organization known for keeping a sharp eye on overspending, has a new website that breaks down the fiscal impact of Amendment 3 in ways that are fair and factual — unlike Ingoglia’s fictional claims.
    — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of factual
Adjective
  • The true main event will pit top AEW star Mercedes Mone against Willow Nightingale in yet another women’s world title match that will not go on last.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Unlocking the true nature of dark energy and dark matter could help astronomers understand what the universe is made of, how its expansion has changed over time, and if there is more to understanding gravity than meets the eye.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of true
Adjective
  • Located at the very front of Roman, this hat-like shade pops open once the observatory reaches orbit, blocking stray light from entering the telescope barrel and helping protect the telescope's sensitive optics throughout the mission.
    — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Caylee believed in this project from the very beginning and has been instrumental in helping bring it to life as a powerhouse actor and producer.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of very

Browse Nearby Words

defacing
de facto
defalcation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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