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
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
In the years since the TV icon’s death, several Little House costars have spoken warmly of him, remembering him as a real-life father figure to the young cast.
—Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 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
Hicks was closely connected to the royal family as the daughter of Prince Philip's beloved uncle and father figure, Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Felicity Abbott, CBS News, 16 June 2026
In the years since the TV icon’s death, several Little House costars have spoken warmly of him, remembering him as a real-life father figure to the young cast.
—Kelly Martinez, Entertainment Weekly, 12 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
Hicks was closely connected to the royal family as the daughter of Prince Philip's beloved uncle and father figure, Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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While the Athletics hosted the Angels in Sacramento, their Single-A affiliate minor league team, Stockton Ports, hosted lots of dads who were excited to take their kids, young and grown, out to the ball game.—
Charlie Lapastora,
CBS News,
22 June 2026
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The Cubs have two first-time dads, Swanson and pitcher Javier Assad, who are celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday with a deep appreciation of how fatherhood can affect their lives while navigating the challenges of being a big-leaguer.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Noun
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In the years since, Harry, 41, has made several short trips back to the UK, most notably attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father King Charles III’s coronation in 2023.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
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My brother in-law was an incredible husband and an amazing father to their boys.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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