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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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
  • Video shared by the nonprofit captures dozens of dads participating in library outings over the past year, with children laughing, dancing and gathering for storytime alongside their fathers.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • The additional sleep provided by the bassinet also is believed to reduce burnout and postpartum depression in working moms and dads.
    Roni Robbins, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • The babies looked so similar that one of the fathers in the group, who happened to be a microbiology professor, offered to swab their cheeks, take a sample and run a DNA test.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026
  • Although their fathers have collaborated on multiple projects, including the movies Boomerang (1992) and Life (1999), Jasmine revealed to InTouch Weekly in 2022 that she was introduced to Eric by her uncle.
    Ayana Herndon, InStyle, 25 July 2026

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“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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