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
In fact, Wendy kicking against her father figure and connecting with a xenomorph she’s been told to loathe and fear is basically exactly what David did in those films.
—
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Pascal, 50, plays Joel, a strong-willed and protective father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), amidst a world-shaking apocalypse in the HBO series.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025
He is widely seen as an extraordinary statesman who possessed a unique blend of intellect and political ability, and who remained a humble and approachable father figure for his people throughout his long tenure.
—Jack Guy, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Friends described him as a father figure.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Pascal, 50, plays Joel, a strong-willed and protective father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), amidst a world-shaking apocalypse in the HBO series.
—Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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The young Irwin is no doubt his dad’s mini-me, long an unofficial spokesperson for his beloved home.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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Being a head coach, a husband, a dad.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
19 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The reason the belief is so strong is because of the lessons his father, Lionel Sr,.—
Nick Friedell,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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It’s been two years since Nowell became the lead singer in Sublime, the same band once headed by his late father, Bradley Nowell.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
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