as in founder
a person who establishes a whole new field of endeavor
Theodor Herzl is often credited as the founding father of modern Zionism
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Recent Examples of founding father
Over a year after their podcast Plan Bri Uncut ended, LaPaglia blames Call Her Daddy’s founding father, Alex Cooper, for the nail in the coffin for her friendship with O’Malley.
—
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
In 1918, David Ben-Gurion – an early Zionist leader and widely regarded as Israel’s founding father – argued that Israel’s natural borders included parts of modern-day Syria, Egypt, the Arabian Gulf, and should also extend north to the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
—Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Thanks to the brilliance of our founding fathers, there are some areas where governments are strictly limited in their ability to consider trade-offs.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Whitefield, one of the most influential public figures of the 18th century, and printer, thinker and founding father Franklin formed a bond rooted in shared concern for the future of the colonies.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for founding father
Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2026
In 1918, David Ben-Gurion – an early Zionist leader and widely regarded as Israel’s founding father – argued that Israel’s natural borders included parts of modern-day Syria, Egypt, the Arabian Gulf, and should also extend north to the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
—Mireille Rebeiz, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026
Thanks to the brilliance of our founding fathers, there are some areas where governments are strictly limited in their ability to consider trade-offs.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2026
Whitefield, one of the most influential public figures of the 18th century, and printer, thinker and founding father Franklin formed a bond rooted in shared concern for the future of the colonies.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for founding father
Recent Examples of Synonyms for founding father
Noun
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There’s plenty to see and do on this one street—stop by Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750; the Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, honoring the founder of the Girl Scouts; then grab a bite at Marbled & Fin, where luxe appetizers and aged steaks reign supreme.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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Natasha is the founder of Beulah London, and Kate owns several pieces from the brand.—
Stephanie Petit,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Noun
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Although Hollis published his video years prior, creator Michael Averett’s (@michael_averett) recent recipe video seems to have reignited interest in the cake.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
7 June 2026
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The phrase has its own meaning within Anne Rice’s lush, grandiose world of bloodsuckers and spell-casters as interpreted by creator and showrunner Rolin Jones.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 June 2026
Noun
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His father then held the seat from 2003 until 2011.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
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Similarly compelling is ‘Home Going,’ in which Clemmons traces her father’s family’s migration to Los Angeles in the 1970s, motivated by the promise of economic opportunities that had previously seemed out of reach for Black people.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Founding father.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/founding%20father. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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