father figure

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.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Robert De Niro is a father figure to many — including Drew Barrymore. Jack Smart, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025 Four childhood friends reunite to sit shiva for the toxic father figure who failed to teach them how to mourn or love. Pamela Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Joe, her island father figure and closest ally who had been separated from her during a tribe swap, watched helplessly from his team’s mat, unable to go over and lend his support. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 She’s lost this father figure in Irving and then she’s lost this brother figure because Dylan seems to have turned his back on her, at least in that episode. Paul Tassi, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
  • Russian assassin Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) and her boisterous dad, Red Guardian (David Harbour), the foster family of Black Widow, are front and center.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 May 2025
  • Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton's dad, John, has been banned from attending future games.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Frustrated by his father's lack of respect, Brendan again approaches Seraphina with a shady deal.
    Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Britain's Prince William, son of King Charles III, will attend the funeral on his father's behalf, Kensington Palace said.
    Susan Miller, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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