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Definitions

de facto

[dee fak-toh, dey] / di ˈfæk toʊ, deɪ /
ADJECTIVE
from the fact
Synonyms
STRONGEST
existing
WEAK
actual factual from fact in fact in reality real
ADVERB
in reality
Synonyms
STRONGEST
existing
WEAK
actual actually genuinely in effect in fact real really tangible truly veritably
ADVERB
from the fact
Synonyms
STRONGEST
existing
WEAK
actual factual from fact in fact in reality real

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ahead of U.S.-Iranian talks in Pakistan over the weekend, Iran’s de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a thorny issue, with traffic through the waterway still severely limited.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The warm embrace was a signal that the de facto Saudi leader, once shunned in the West, was fully rehabilitated on the world stage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Professor Lee Elliot Major said teachers are acting as "de facto parents" in the classroom, explaining that a lot of "societal challenges" come out in this setting.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

But on Wednesday, he seemed to walk back that stance, and said a key part of the ongoing negotiations hinged on Iran ending the de facto blockade on the strait.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Washington edged second-place Yale by eight feet to emerge as de facto national champion.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown