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
These affordable spots serve love on a plate—perfect for celebrating the dads and father figures who do the most.
—
Essence, 12 June 2025
Father’s Day is a time to honor the incredible fathers and father figures in our lives.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Hackman’s character, Royal Tenenbaum, is another intense father figure who, like Korda, is both brilliant and terrible.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
But Santi, whose now-estranged dad used to push him too hard on the golf course, doesn’t exactly relish the prospect of having a new father figure to satisfy.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Essence, 12 June 2025
Father’s Day is a time to honor the incredible fathers and father figures in our lives.
—Jené Luciani Sena
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Hackman’s character, Royal Tenenbaum, is another intense father figure who, like Korda, is both brilliant and terrible.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 6 June 2025
But Santi, whose now-estranged dad used to push him too hard on the golf course, doesn’t exactly relish the prospect of having a new father figure to satisfy.
—Judy Berman, Time, 4 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 7 Jul. 2025.
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