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.
Related Words
Relevance
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
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
There are very obvious parental figures for all the Lost Boys, with Dame Sylvia being the matriarch and Arthur being a father figure or a fun uncle for them.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
There’s a lot of symbolism with the absence of the father figure, and the main character, Adelaida, is navigating this world filled with other women while exploring the importance of resilience.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
There are very obvious parental figures for all the Lost Boys, with Dame Sylvia being the matriarch and Arthur being a father figure or a fun uncle for them.
—Leia Mendoza, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
There’s a lot of symbolism with the absence of the father figure, and the main character, Adelaida, is navigating this world filled with other women while exploring the importance of resilience.
—Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
-
The actor and dad of three with wife Camila Alves McConaughey had a measured response when his eldest, Levi, 17, approached him about auditioning for a supporting role in his new AppleTV+ film The Lost Bus.—
Andrea Mandell,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
As a child in Cuba, Mike Fernandez watched as his teachers were replaced with government instructors, books vanished from classroom shelves and ultimately, Communist Party officials took over his dad's tiny sandwich stand.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
28 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
When Usagi is approached by Ryuji (Kento Kaku), an academic obsessed with discovering the secrets of the afterlife, she is lured back into Borderland by the chance to see her father one more time.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Carolyn Smith, the late preacher’s daughter, said her father — like Pendleton a Knoxville College graduate — was instrumental in recruiting Pendleton and other Black educators to teach in San Diego.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share