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 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 Of course, Father’s Day brunch ideas must go beyond casual weekday toast and cereal, because the fathers and father figures in our lives deserve a little extra effort. Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 May 2026 Bella Ramsey takes a break from killing zombies and avenging father figures, their usual pastimes in series The Last of Us, to fool around and fall in love in Sunny Dancer, a decidedly uneven but fitfully charming, YA-skewed British comedy-drama. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
  • There were a bunch of kids in line, and many dads or older brothers who were interested in seeing him (autographs were for 12 and under only).
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • But the pilot is now out in the world and Hal Jordan — the most famous Green Lantern of DC Comics, played by one of the more beloved TV dads of our time, Friday Night Lights alum Kyle Chandler — is dead.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In Brothers, both McConaughey and Harrelson’s characters look back at their fathers’ legacies while also navigating being good fathers themselves.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Other people are rarely the focus of blame in cases where fathers kill their children.
    Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026

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“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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