father figure

Definition of father figurenext
as in dad
an older man who acts in a paternal role to younger people The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of father figure After the loss of her father in 2019, his role as a father figure became even more meaningful. Christina Cardona, USA Today, 30 July 2026 The dynamic between Nanzhi and the father figure in the film tracked almost exactly onto her own relationship with her father in real life — a coincidence that extended to the actor playing that role, who also has a daughter. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2026 To generations of Jayhawks, Ward was a mentor, father figure and, in many ways, the heartbeat of the program. Latif Love july 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2026 Olyphant makes a captivating father figure, his outlaw-philosopher charm obscuring the inevitable flaws of a man who raised his daughter to be a criminal. Judy Berman, Time, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
  • Aside from his family — led by baseball-lifer dad James — Vilade is loved the most in the Rays clubhouse.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Other jobholders included dads with young children and women with no kids.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Nuclear Children follows 18-year-old Isla Sparrow who, after the death of her father in a submarine accident, hopes to escape her grieving family and flee to university.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • In the story, Ejva inherits her father’s reindeer herd following his sudden death.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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