as in dads
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 figures
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
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
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 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
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
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Hovering moms and dads are following their kids all the way to campus.—
Russell Shaw,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
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Luiz Baptista wrote on a fan account’s Father’s Day post dedicated to the couple’s dads on June 15.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In fact, some famous fathers have doubled that average age, becoming dads past the age of 65.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
7 Nov. 2025
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Husbands and fathers were supposed to meet their major needs for food, shelter, and clothing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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