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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Recent Examples of father figures
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
Ultimately, Confidence Men is a story about the battle for Bobby’s soul between two father figures, showing the depth of loyalty that tough SOB Special Agent Russo had for this young man, who in his words was the most talented CI there ever was — better than most undercover agents.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
All grandfathers, uncles, fathers and father figures are invited.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
Ultimately, Confidence Men is a story about the battle for Bobby’s soul between two father figures, showing the depth of loyalty that tough SOB Special Agent Russo had for this young man, who in his words was the most talented CI there ever was — better than most undercover agents.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Feb. 2026
All grandfathers, uncles, fathers and father figures are invited.
—Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The actor has also brought that perspective to the screen, playing memorable father figures — most notably Larry in Greta Gerwig’s 2017 film Lady Bird.
—Avalon Hester, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
This year’s event invites fathers and father figures to treat their daughters to a dazzling night inspired by the jazz age.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
Not the revenge thing, but the part about sons emulating their fathers (or father figures).
—Genevieve Koski, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figures
Noun
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Some dads simply refuse to even do the dance, so points to Gracie’s dad for being game.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
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Besides, why don’t dads ever get labeled?—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Harry closed his Movember appearance with a message to fathers about mental health and the realities of parenthood.—
Megan Hustwaite,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
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Five fathers, including Mendez’s father, Gonzalo, who led the effort, filed the lawsuit in 1945 against school districts in Westminster, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and El Modena, which today falls under the Orange Unified School District.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Father figures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figures. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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