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
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Recent Examples of father figure
His public persona may have been the humble and patient father figure, but Francis spent his 12 years as pope reorganizing the Vatican bureaucracy — the Roman curia — with more than a touch of ruthlessness.
—
Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Gerard was a complicated father figure, supporting his family financially, while fueling the artist’s rebellion and escape at age 17 from harsh parental discipline.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Dusan, who was white, became a father figure to Strawberry.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
All that is needed to get us back to this place, the movie suggests, is another bold and intelligent father figure put in a position of power.
—Jessa Crispin, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Howard Chua-Eoan, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
Gerard was a complicated father figure, supporting his family financially, while fueling the artist’s rebellion and escape at age 17 from harsh parental discipline.
—Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Dusan, who was white, became a father figure to Strawberry.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025
All that is needed to get us back to this place, the movie suggests, is another bold and intelligent father figure put in a position of power.
—Jessa Crispin, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for father figure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for father figure
Noun
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That misconception was the hardest thing for Jordan’s dad, Austin, to understand.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Mandla was focused on getting his hands on the basketball while his superstar dad and big bro Kailand were posing for photos at the 3rd annual Hoop-Life FriendRaiser at Galen Center in 2015.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Their father, King George VI, had announced via radio broadcast that World War II was over in Europe after six years of fighting and the princesses joined him on the balcony of Buckingham Palace multiple times to greet the cheering crowds gathered below.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
9 May 2025
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McCall’s father had survived but suffered 30 per cent burns.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/father%20figure. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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