de facto
1
being something as a fact although not legally accepted
- The de facto government continued to function despite not having legal recognition from other nations.
- She held a de facto position in charge of the project, even though her title was not official.
- The town had a de facto policy of welcoming refugees, though no formal law was in place.
- The de facto leader of the movement influenced many decisions, even without an official title.
- They were considered de facto partners, even though they never formally married.
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