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
As a coach, you’re supposed to be the player’s friend and his father figure.
—
Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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Many colleges and universities have informal parent Facebook groups, which function as a clearinghouse for questions and provide a window into the psyche of modern moms and dads.—
Russell Shaw,
The Atlantic,
2 Nov. 2025
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Barker, meanwhile, is also a dad to son Landon, 22, daughter Alabama, 19, and stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya, 26, with his ex-wife Shanna Moakler.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
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In a social media video, Madi said her father's health declined in the months following an early-stage prostate cancer diagnosis.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
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The introduction was from my father, who was a friend of his in another lifetime.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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