authority figure

noun

: a person who has authority over another person

A child needs an authority figure in his or her life.

Examples of authority figure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As the Pacific Princess’ Captain Stubing, Gavin MacLeod played the stern yet beloved authority figure better than many might’ve expected, given how closely he’d become associated with comedy by that point. — Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Sep. 2026

This could relate to an authority figure or your efforts to help someone in need. — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026

During a work meeting, a senior colleague or authority figure may share one of your ideas as the solution everyone’s been looking for. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

The inner critic becomes less like an authority figure and more like that one colleague who sends too many emails. — April Dávila, Literary Hub, 22 July 2026

Rhymes for authority figure

• configure
• disfigure
• prefigure
• reconfigure