father 1 of 2

noun

ˈfä-t͟hər How to pronounce father (audio)
Definition of fathernext
1
as in dad
a male human parent the special relationship that exists between fathers and sons

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2
as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor Sir Isaac Newton is regarded by many as the father of modern science

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in grandfather
a person who is several generations earlier in an individual's line of descent our fathers founded this nation on the fundamental belief that no person is entitled to rule by divine right

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in Lord
capitalized the being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe let us ask humbly for the blessings of our Father in heaven

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father

2 of 2

verb

as in to sire
to become the father of Paul Revere somehow found room in his small house for the large family he had fathered

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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
Noun
My father put his arm around my shoulder and whispered in my ear. — Elin Hilderbrand, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026 But the very next day, Cal got into the truck beside his father. — Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026
Verb
In a sentencing memorandum in the federal case, a defense attorney said Rhone was born in Houston to a man who fathered 27 children with at least three wives while working as an explosives expert building railroads. — Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026 Bündchen has since remarried to Joaquim Valente, who fathered her third child, a baby boy. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for father
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father
  1. dad
  2. founder
  3. grandfather
  4. sire
  5. daddy
  6. creator
  7. ancestor
  8. spawn
Noun
  • And Trey pictures his dad still in the third base coach’s box for the Dodgers.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • How do Kenzie’s mom and dad feel about her emotive splits-ing, for instance?
    — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 10 July 2026
Definition of dad
Noun
  • The company was adding 18,000 square feet to 15 upper floors of the building, and the additional load caused two columns to bend, sagging the floors – some as much as 4 inches, Nathan Berman, founder and managing principal of MetroLoft, told CNN.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Spieker was the founder and former Chairman and CEO of Spieker Properties, one of America’s largest commercial-property companies, and is the car’s current custodian.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 10 July 2026
Definition of founder
Noun
  • If their grandfather wants to repair the relationship, a check isn’t going to be the thing to do it.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • Lock was a third-generation Mizzou Tiger, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
    — PJ Green July 9, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of grandfather
Verb
  • Gun Runner’s stable still has the brass nameplate of its former occupant, legendary 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, who also sired an impressive line of runners.
    — Graham Cornwell, New York Times, 19 June 2026
  • He was brought to the United States that year, and has since sired four calves.
    — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2026
Definition of sire
Noun
  • In the black-and-white photo, the daddy-daughter duo appeared to be spending some quality time together.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • In their respective grief, mommy issues, daughter issues, and, in the case of Armand and Daniel, daddy issues, our vampires are giving each other a run for their money over who is the most beautiful, most unwell.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 29 June 2026
Definition of daddy
Noun
  • Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.
    — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • News of the upcoming film comes four months after Tilly Norwood's creators released a music video featuring the AI creation appearing to sing a song addressing the public backlash to it.
    — Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of creator
Noun
  • This type of eating pattern mimics the pattern of our ancestors, which is directly connected with our innate metabolism.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026
  • Gendron said his ancestors were among the first outsiders to settle the island in the 1700s, when three brothers, fur traders all, left Canada and followed the Mississippi south.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of ancestor
Verb
  • The incentive is real enough that an entire industry is being spawned beneath it.
    — Cody Luongo, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • Fall provides another opportunity when the browns move inshore to run several area rivers to spawn.
    — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of spawn

Phrases Containing father

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Cite this Entry

“Father.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on father

Nglish: Translation of father for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about father

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