father figures

plural of father figure
as in dads
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 figures Looking back at the male Romanian male father figures, my father and I also grew up with my grandfather. — Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026 In the immediate aftermath of Wood's death, Gregson Wagner said the two father figures in her life — her biological father, British film producer Richard Gregson, and her stepfather, actor Robert Wagner — came together to support her. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 Neill played dashing heroes, sinister villains (see The Piano), authority figures, famous figures, and father figures. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026 The momager, 70, marked the holiday on Sunday, June 21, by sharing a sweet photo collage featuring all the father figures in her life. — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026 Happy Father’s Day weekend to all of the fathers and father figures (but not in a George Michael way). — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 19 June 2026 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 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 In Spokane, Washington, Sonora Smart Dodd organized the first Father’s Day in the United States, one that recognized her Civil War veteran dad who raised her, as well as other father figures. — USA Today, 2 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
  • The events — which started out with 10 moms and five dads and are up to 35 moms and 20 dads — are particularly special to Morgan, who was friends with some of the sons of the parents involved.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Part of it is that there have been a lot of books about Brooklyn dads.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Those girls in the hothouses maintained by fathers and uncles certainly would not spare a single thought for Percherette.
    — Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Nearly every player on the team is a dad, with seemingly a few players becoming first-time fathers each of the past few seasons.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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