de facto

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.

They have found new leverage in their de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz, transit point for 20% of global oil supplies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 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

The impact of the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already led governments to take exceptional measures, like the Philippines which has declared a national energy emergency, Maynier noted.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Let me tell you something else about Cade Hernandez: As the school's de facto commander in the Stop Trying to Make Us Stop revolution, he was an expert button pusher.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith