father figure

noun

Synonyms of father figurenext
: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the years since the TV icon’s death, several Little House costars have spoken warmly of him, remembering him as a real-life father figure to the young cast. Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026 Submitted here is an abundance of options, from brunch to burgers to bowling and more, to honor and spoil the father figures in your tribe. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 June 2026 And nowadays, the two young men are just about inseparable from their coach and father figure. Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 10 June 2026 Her new novel is about an absentee father figure, Mac, a TV actor whose sudden passing causes those who loved him to reconfigure their relationships around his void. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

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