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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Recent Examples of father figure
The image of the leader was meant to inspire fear and reverence, to appear simultaneously distant and omnipresent—a remote father figure whose gaze could not be escaped.
—
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
In one scene, Miller meets with what appears to be his parole officer, who references the death of his brother Vernon Miller, killed during a robbery that left behind two children whom Guy ultimately becomes a father figure to.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026
The ceremonies are often visibly emotional, with Kim portrayed as a benevolent father figure.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Hudson and Oliver were primarily raised by Hawn and her partner of 43 years, Russell, 74, whom the actress has publicly described as her father figure.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026
In one scene, Miller meets with what appears to be his parole officer, who references the death of his brother Vernon Miller, killed during a robbery that left behind two children whom Guy ultimately becomes a father figure to.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026
The ceremonies are often visibly emotional, with Kim portrayed as a benevolent father figure.
—Will Ripley, CNN Money, 26 Feb. 2026
Hudson and Oliver were primarily raised by Hawn and her partner of 43 years, Russell, 74, whom the actress has publicly described as her father figure.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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My dad never got over my college choice and our relationship was harmed.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
12 Apr. 2026
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And Dane, who portrayed Nate’s repressed dad Cal Jacobs, died in February following a battle with ALS, after filming scenes for the show’s final season.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Neither could Kendall, who had spent happy teenage years there with his father, stepmother, and brothers—and was still launching his boat from a dock on the property to work his oyster beds.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
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Augustine, a bishop in the late fourth and early fifth centuries, is the spiritual father of the Augustinian order of which the pontiff is a member and former leader.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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