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.
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 figures
The momager, 70, marked the holiday on Sunday, June 21, by sharing a sweet photo collage featuring all the father figures in her life.
—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Happy Father’s Day weekend to all of the fathers and father figures (but not in a George Michael way).
—
Aj Willingham,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
There will be live performances, local vendors, free family activities and special recognition for father figures in the community.
—
Felicity Abbott,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Submitted here is an abundance of options, from brunch to burgers to bowling and more, to honor and spoil the father figures in your tribe.
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 June 2026
In Spokane, Washington, Sonora Smart Dodd organized the first Father’s Day in the United States, one that recognized her Civil War veteran dad who raised her, as well as other father figures.
—
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Of course, Father’s Day brunch ideas must go beyond casual weekday toast and cereal, because the fathers and father figures in our lives deserve a little extra effort.
—
Hannah Lee Leidy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 May 2026
Bella Ramsey takes a break from killing zombies and avenging father figures, their usual pastimes in series The Last of Us, to fool around and fall in love in Sunny Dancer, a decidedly uneven but fitfully charming, YA-skewed British comedy-drama.
—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Ultimately, Confidence Men is a story about the battle for Bobby’s soul between two father figures, showing the depth of loyalty that tough SOB Special Agent Russo had for this young man, who in his words was the most talented CI there ever was — better than most undercover agents.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Happy Father’s Day weekend to all of the fathers and father figures (but not in a George Michael way).
—
Aj Willingham,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
There will be live performances, local vendors, free family activities and special recognition for father figures in the community.
—
Felicity Abbott,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
Submitted here is an abundance of options, from brunch to burgers to bowling and more, to honor and spoil the father figures in your tribe.
—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
11 June 2026
In Spokane, Washington, Sonora Smart Dodd organized the first Father’s Day in the United States, one that recognized her Civil War veteran dad who raised her, as well as other father figures.
—
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Of course, Father’s Day brunch ideas must go beyond casual weekday toast and cereal, because the fathers and father figures in our lives deserve a little extra effort.
—
Hannah Lee Leidy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 May 2026
Bella Ramsey takes a break from killing zombies and avenging father figures, their usual pastimes in series The Last of Us, to fool around and fall in love in Sunny Dancer, a decidedly uneven but fitfully charming, YA-skewed British comedy-drama.
—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
Ultimately, Confidence Men is a story about the battle for Bobby’s soul between two father figures, showing the depth of loyalty that tough SOB Special Agent Russo had for this young man, who in his words was the most talented CI there ever was — better than most undercover agents.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
-
The shower of affection continued as the tall guys in custom suits made their way to a set that resembled a living room, complete with baby photos and a couch large enough to hold their proud moms and dads.
-
Following a Father's Day often marked by predictable gifts like slippers or cologne, this piece offers dads 10 innovative ways to treat themselves by upgrading their home environments.
Noun
-
While some of the wives wouldn’t bother coming to games every Sunday, Michel said, many of the children saw the Feeney fathers as proper heroes.
-
The play, which was a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, follows three adult children who meet to settle their fathers’ estate, and, in the process, discover secrets about their parents’ lives.
Cite this Entry
“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
