figure of authority
noun phrase
: a person who has authority over another person : a person who has the power to give orders or make decisions
A child needs a figure of authority in his or her life.
Examples of figure of authority in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What patients want is not a figure of authority but a relationship that is deeper than the uniform, since the journey of care—especially for cancer patients—can be both long and of uncertain outcome.
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Stephen J. Forman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Cross serves the town of Eddington as a useless figure of authority—a shiftless, asthmatic grump who mumbles complaints at lawbreakers and halfheartedly manages a staff of cops at his office.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
In this case, America was not a figure of authority — merely a good excuse.
—Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
The stereotypical permissive parents are the ones who see themselves as their children's friend, and not a figure of authority.
—Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2023
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Stephen J. Forman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025
Cross serves the town of Eddington as a useless figure of authority—a shiftless, asthmatic grump who mumbles complaints at lawbreakers and halfheartedly manages a staff of cops at his office.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
In this case, America was not a figure of authority — merely a good excuse.
—Mihir Sharma, Twin Cities, 14 May 2025
The stereotypical permissive parents are the ones who see themselves as their children's friend, and not a figure of authority.
—Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Figure of authority.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/figure%20of%20authority. Accessed 6 Dec. 2025.
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