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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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

Adjective

Even though the narrative is sci-fi/horror-oriented, and participants are promised an actual alien encounter.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
The actual counting process proved to be a complex challenge.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of actual

Adjective

From Saint Laurent’s opulent designs to Chanel’s beautiful beaded pieces, there was a real sense that more is more, with color featuring prominently across collections.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
There’s a real opportunity in the fourth episode to do something fun, or at least interesting, when Tyson convinces Russ to join him in smoking hallucinatory toad venom, but no flair or flourishes emerge.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of real

Adjective

Could that feeling of truth be arrived at via extra-factual means?

— Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
The reason for that is the unquenching market need for solid factual projects that can both be popular on linear channels and drive older viewers to streaming services.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of factual

Adjective

From its opening moments, Zoe Kazan’s epic, sprawling Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, East of Eden, announces that the monstrous Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) is the true center of the story.

— Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
The true subject of the movie is the power of law, and the erosion of law.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of true

Adjective

Slowly over the past few days, the question in terms of at least the very top of the chain has been answered but with some caveats.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Now, by reimagining live shopping for the very environment that accelerated its slowdown, TikTok Shop is seeing sizable gains.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of de facto

adjective

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