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 royals celebrated their father figures on Sunday in a series of social media posts.
—
Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Andrew Cuomo, at his height during the pandemic, presented himself as a father figure, making jokes about his daughter’s boyfriend, etc.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Meanwhile, aforementioned father figure Paul will be dealing with his worsening condition — and that’s where Michael J. Fox comes in.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 June 2025
On Sunday, June 15, the Iron Man actress, 52, shared several photos of some of the special fathers and father figures in her life in honor of the summer holiday.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Andrew Cuomo, at his height during the pandemic, presented himself as a father figure, making jokes about his daughter’s boyfriend, etc.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Meanwhile, aforementioned father figure Paul will be dealing with his worsening condition — and that’s where Michael J. Fox comes in.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 19 June 2025
On Sunday, June 15, the Iron Man actress, 52, shared several photos of some of the special fathers and father figures in her life in honor of the summer holiday.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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My parents met one summer in 1975 at one of my dad’s acoustic shows on the eastern tip of Long Island.—
Brooke Lea Foster,
People.com,
30 June 2025
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The ride portion has distinctly Epcot qualities that are futuristic, educational and a bit dad jokey.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 June 2025
Noun
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His father Jason Richardson spent more than a decade in the NBA, including part of two seasons with the Magic (2010-12).—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 June 2025
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Originally designed in 1895 by Sir Henry Peto—whose father built Nelson’s Column—the grounds have been restored and expanded.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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