father figure

Definition of father figurenext
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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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 Part of his charm here included playing the stalwart father figure to two terrified kids — someone a child could trust to stick around and keep watch all night when the dinosaurs came chomping. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Neill played dashing heroes, sinister villains (see The Piano), authority figures, famous figures, and father figures. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026 Upon Hobert’s death, his successor, Ormund, took over as the boy’s father figure. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026 Kai’s father figure, Uncle Six (Byron Mann), is one of the warlords bent on domination, setting up a Star Wars-esque clash between father and son. David Faris, TheWeek, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
  • Melanie Zanetti will reprise her role as Bluey’s mom, Chilli, from the series, with Richard Jeffrey returning to voice Bluey’s dad, Bandit.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Created by Joe Brumm, Bluey centers around an Australian blue heeler pup and her family -- mom Chilli, dad bandit and little sister Bingo.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Vernon, meanwhile, is encouraging people to remember that there was a man, a husband and father behind the headlines.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • His six children inherited the franchise through a family trust, with Jeanie continuing to oversee the team’s business operations and succeeding her father as the Lakers’ representative on the NBA Board of Governors.
    Law Murray, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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