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.
Synonyms & Similar 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
Four childhood friends reunite to sit shiva for the toxic father figure who failed to teach them how to mourn or love.
—
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
In the weeks that followed, as tributes poured in for Bryant, so did remembrances of a junior college coaching icon and a father figure to scores of ballplayers.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Thank you for being a father figure, and a leader, to all of us on the set of Blue Bloods.
—Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Fauria's papa is currently mentoring her in running their family business and has become a father figure to her.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025
In the weeks that followed, as tributes poured in for Bryant, so did remembrances of a junior college coaching icon and a father figure to scores of ballplayers.
—Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 May 2025
Thank you for being a father figure, and a leader, to all of us on the set of Blue Bloods.
—Janelle Ash , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Fauria's papa is currently mentoring her in running their family business and has become a father figure to her.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
-
That misconception was the hardest thing for Jordan’s dad, Austin, to understand.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
-
Mandla was focused on getting his hands on the basketball while his superstar dad and big bro Kailand were posing for photos at the 3rd annual Hoop-Life FriendRaiser at Galen Center in 2015.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
His father, who attended college in Texas after immigrating to the United States, is a longtime fan of Americana and the Old West, and his penchant for artists like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton served as Shaboozey’s first taste of country.—
Rachel DeSantis,
People.com,
21 May 2025
-
The novel is set during this period of intense anti-Chinese sentiments, and Celia’s father is killed in these massacres.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share