Definitions

ex post facto

[eks pohst fak-toh] / ˈɛks ˌpoʊst ˈfæk toʊ /

ADJECTIVE

after the fact

Synonyms

WEAK

attendant done afterward post factum posterior postmortem retroactive retrospective sequent subsequent succeeding

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.

The issue is not just to admit, ex post facto, that we were wrong, but to think more deeply about why we were wrong.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

“This is a violation of the ex post facto clause of the constitution,” said Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Trial Lawyers.

From Washington Times • Feb. 10, 2023

The ban on ex post facto laws, the court said, prohibits increasing the punishment for a crime after the crime was committed, and that it does not apply in the inmates’ cases.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2021

So many shows rely on studio interviews or guests recapping their adventures ex post facto — the equivalent of Aunt Jane prattling on about her trip to Tuscany over the phone.

From Washington Post • Dec. 10, 2020

There is reason to believe that recollection was an ex post facto elaboration; those on the scene recall a sensation more suggestive of relief and euphoria in the air.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik