DE FACTO Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

de facto

adjective

Definition of de facto

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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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

Adjective

Do not let intensity make the conversation bigger than the actual issue.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
But every new pseudo-pre-professional finance club means fewer students exploring actual interests.

— Ryan Craig, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of actual

Adjective

The lawsuits involve separate banks, account agreements and factual allegations.

— Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
In January, the bank asked the judge to throw out Arbuckle’s claims, arguing that evidence exchanged by both sides showed no key factual disputes requiring a jury to resolve.

— Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

But regardless of any lack of confidence in Hamas’ true intentions, in Mladenov’s faith in the ability to verify weapons decommissioning, or indeed Netanyahu’s own willingness to order any troop withdrawals, why poke Trump so publicly in the eye?

— Andrew Carey, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
This problem-first strategy is crucial for unlocking AI's true potential.

— Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

By the time Sophie lands the lead role, the very ground beneath her feet has shifted with news that her mother’s (Melanie Lynskey) cancer has returned.

— Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
While domain authority isn't built overnight, there are intentional steps entrepreneurs can take to demonstrate their expertise, consistency and reliability from the very beginning.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of very

Browse Nearby Words

defacing

de facto

defalcation

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“De facto.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de%20facto. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of de facto

adjective

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