father figure

noun

Synonyms of father figurenext
: a person often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

Examples of father figure in a Sentence

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Isaiah’s obsession has put a wedge between him and his wife, Candace (Gabrielle Dennis); lost him the trust of his boss and father figure, Jimmy (Michael Potts); and pushed his and Candace’s teen son, Noah (Cedric Joe), closer to Isaiah’s ex-con father, Amos (Moe Irvin). Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 May 2026 The economist’s description of the Fed chair was admiring, almost tender— comparing him to a kindly gardener who knew just how much sunlight to bestow upon the plants, or to a father figure who could keep his profligate and dissolute children on the right path. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 Of course, Father’s Day brunch ideas must go beyond casual weekday toast and cereal, because the fathers and father figures in our lives deserve a little extra effort. Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 May 2026 My favorite part is infamous flopper LeBron James standing there nodding in approval at everything an irate Austin Reaves is saying like an approving father figure. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for father figure

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of father figure was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Father figure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/father%20figure. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

father figure

noun
fa·​ther figure ˈfät͟h-ər- How to pronounce father figure (audio)
: one often of particular power or influence who serves as an emotional substitute for a father

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