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godfather

verb

Definition of godfathernext
as in to mentor

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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 godfather Murdoch’s political ally, godfather to one of Rupert’s young daughters with Deng – have to do with this? — Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 July 2022 The sons also took Murdaugh’s advice to hire attorney Cory Fleming to be executor of their mother’s estate without telling them Fleming was a longtime friend, old college roommate and godfather to at least one of Murdaugh’s sons. — Jeffrey Collins, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Oct. 2021 Now Leroy could be dad first and coach second, while Lewis could be coach first and godfather second. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2020 The new generation of progressives in the city, godfathered by Garcia, and represented in the March elections by Alma Anaya, Aaron Ortiz, and Beatriz Frausto, is a force to be reckoned with within the party. — Jacqueline Serrato, chicagotribune.com, 25 Apr. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for godfather
  1. mentor
  2. coach
  3. guide
  4. pilot
  5. escort
  6. counsel
  7. engineer
Verb
  • The influence of Doyle, who has been mentored by Sean Payton and Ben Johnson, was noticeable.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Citrin came up with the Andy Wins Trial Process, which is a litigation methodology meant to train and mentor younger attorneys at his firm.
    — Matt Emma, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of mentor
Verb
  • Fleury has since embarked on a coaching journey of more than 20 years, including stops at Sacred Heart as a defensive coordinator and Towson as a special teams coordinator.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • That was one of the most compelling draws for McDaniel, the chance to work with a quarterback who can make every throw, and to coach with Jim Harbaugh, who has had success at every stop.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of coach
Verb
  • Do ask for staff suggestions on what to do in and around the area—our own itinerary was entirely guided by Troutbeck’s staff, and their tips were always spot on.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The judgment was a crushing blow for a man who was once embraced by the West, invited to the 1999 peace talks in France and seen as the leader who could guide Kosovo to independence.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of guide
Verb
  • The ex-Smiths vocalist helped pilot one of England’s premier bands before transitioning into a successful solo artist.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Nineteen hijackers carried out the attacks, led by Mohamed Atta, who piloted American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of pilot
Verb
  • Anyone using their phone during the set will be escorted out of the venue, and if needed, devices can be unlocked and used in special areas of each venue.
    — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Spurred by Barnett’s defiant message and federal officers’ arrival to escort Meredith, a mob of some 2,000 swelled by morning.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of escort
Verb
  • Above all, Han Fei counseled, leaders must avoid heartfelt emotional responses to affairs of state lest they be interpreted as signs of vulnerability or weakness.
    — Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Conversely, Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson and Chicago's Austan Goolsbee also have counseled a more patient approach.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of counsel
Verb
  • Yup, the bike will be manufactured in China even though it's designed and engineered in its home country, Spain.
    — Bultaco, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • These layers were engineered to create electronic energy levels that strengthen interactions between light and matter.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of engineer

Browse Nearby Words

goddesses
godfather
godfathered
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Cite this Entry

“Godfather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/godfather. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on godfather

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about godfather

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